Since the pandemic an resulting economic downturn began, we have sought to address the increased hunger among our neighbors. Our efforts made a difference and I’m grateful for how you have turned out in support. The next question then becomes how to sustain our efforts and our energy as we continue to work to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity in our community. 

I pitched an idea to Justin Haley, the director of the Dodge County Food Bank, and they have agreed. Here’s the idea: we will support a once a month program to provide larger food boxes to more people. Those larger food boxes will include fresh produce! So more people will get fresher and additional food to what is typically available. We would support with volunteer labor and donations.

Our local food bank is able to procure food from the Macon food bank at a greatly reduced rate to what we could purchase via local grocery stores, making our money go farther. And we have the chance, as many of you have done recently, to give of our time and effort to our community. That fits with the challenge from the Ministry Council back in February, at our celebration of ministry Sunday, fore each of us to give one hour of our time in service to Eastman and Dodge County this year.

Here are the details:
– On the second Friday, we will provide volunteer labor from 10am to 2pm.
– We will need four to five volunteers per hour- You may sign up for as many or as few of those hours as you like (e.g. 10-11, 11-2, 12-1, etc.)
– You may continue to donate to the food bank through the church. Mark your online donation or check for the food bank. PayPal.me/eastmanshelter

We will begin our partnership on Friday, July 10, 2020. Please sign-up with the church office by Friday, July 3, for the hours you can work.

Let’s show up to feed the hungry, just as Jesus did so often throughout the gospels. We are truly the hands and feet of Christ when we do so!