First United Methodist Church Food Pantry
When: 4th Saturday of each Month (typically) (the last two (Nov/Dec) each
year are on the third Saturday due to holidays)
Where: Neighborhood Center for First United Methodist Church, Johnson City. The Neighborhood Center is a building across the street from our church. The address is 210 West Maple Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
Entrances: from the large parking lot adjacent to the building.
Contact Information:
Call the Church Office/Leave Message: 423-928-9222
Email the Church Office: office@1stChurchJC.org
Additional upcoming dates for 2020: February 22 March 28 April 25
May 23 June 27 July 25 Aug 22 Sept 26 Oct 24 Nov 21 Dec 19
M O N E T A R Y D O N A T I O N S N E E D E D and A P P R E C I A T E D
year are on the third Saturday due to holidays)
Where: Neighborhood Center for First United Methodist Church, Johnson City. The Neighborhood Center is a building across the street from our church. The address is 210 West Maple Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
Entrances: from the large parking lot adjacent to the building.
Contact Information:
Call the Church Office/Leave Message: 423-928-9222
Email the Church Office: office@1stChurchJC.org
Additional upcoming dates for 2020: February 22 March 28 April 25
May 23 June 27 July 25 Aug 22 Sept 26 Oct 24 Nov 21 Dec 19
M O N E T A R Y D O N A T I O N S N E E D E D and A P P R E C I A T E D
Please Note: This Missions Project relies on specific directed monetary donations. The money is used to stock the pantry with needed food items. Much of this is purchased at the extremely discounted rates from Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse. Consider supporting this worthy community endeavor with financial contributions, as we;; as donated items not available from the food bank, and /or volunteering time to stock, distribute, or keep records.
Contact the church office or any of the committee listed at the bottom of this page. T h a n k y o u !!
Items Needed: Paper Products, Diapers, Soap, Laundry Detergent, Prayer
General QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABOUT THE NEW FOOD PANTRY
from the Outreach Pillar
it's a long page, but full of information!
Who is Second Harvest Food Bank and why are we partnering with them?
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s Food Bank Network. There are five food banks in the state of Tennessee that are affiliated with Feeding America. The Food Bank provides food to hungry children, seniors living on a fixed income, individuals and families in need through Food Bank agencies. Northeast Tennessee counties served include: Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. Population: over 475,000 Area: nearly 3,000 square miles
For more information: http://www.netfoodbank.org/AboutUs.aspx
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s Food Bank Network. There are five food banks in the state of Tennessee that are affiliated with Feeding America. The Food Bank provides food to hungry children, seniors living on a fixed income, individuals and families in need through Food Bank agencies. Northeast Tennessee counties served include: Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. Population: over 475,000 Area: nearly 3,000 square miles
For more information: http://www.netfoodbank.org/AboutUs.aspx
How many families do we typically serve?
We estimate an average of 110-140 families per month visit the church food pantry. By partnering with Second Harvest we can assist more families and keep our shelves stocked. Second Harvest does not have certain items which is why we ask for donations of paper goods, (paper towels, toilet tissue, diapers) as well as detergents (dish and laundry) as well as hygiene products.
We estimate an average of 110-140 families per month visit the church food pantry. By partnering with Second Harvest we can assist more families and keep our shelves stocked. Second Harvest does not have certain items which is why we ask for donations of paper goods, (paper towels, toilet tissue, diapers) as well as detergents (dish and laundry) as well as hygiene products.
Who will receive our assistance?
To begin with, the families of children who attend Southside School and have been verified by the school officials as in need of assistance. The children will receive a voucher at school which they can bring to our food pantry. We estimate that this will be a total of 40 families. Also, we will work with our most immediate neighbors who are in need of assistance. We hope that in the future we can expand our “neighborhood” and serve a great number of those in need.
To begin with, the families of children who attend Southside School and have been verified by the school officials as in need of assistance. The children will receive a voucher at school which they can bring to our food pantry. We estimate that this will be a total of 40 families. Also, we will work with our most immediate neighbors who are in need of assistance. We hope that in the future we can expand our “neighborhood” and serve a great number of those in need.
How often will the food pantry be open?
To begin with, once a month on Saturday. Typically 10:00 am until Noon on the fourth Saturday each month. |
Where will the food pantry be located?
In the old conference building which is being called the FUMC Community Neighborhood Center |
Will people still be able to receive assistance at other times?
Yes, we will still keep some food available in the current food pantry (located near the church office) so that we still help people on an as needed basis.
Yes, we will still keep some food available in the current food pantry (located near the church office) so that we still help people on an as needed basis.
Will we get all of our supplies at Second Harvest or will we still be asked to donate to the food pantry?
We will get non-perishable food items from Second Harvest. So the congregation will still be asked to contribute paper products, cleaning supplies etc. |
Will Second Harvest just give us the food?
Not exactly. When we “shop” at Second Harvest we will give them 14₵ a pound for food. That means that we can get 40 pounds of food for $5. And 40 pounds of food will feed a family of 4 for one week.. |
What about milk, eggs, meat?
To begin with, we will have only non-perishable food items (and paper products, cleaning supplies etc.) to distribute. We hope to be able to purchase refrigerators and freezers in the very near future so that we can distribute perishable items. In the future we hope to be able to distribute USDA food goods.
To begin with, we will have only non-perishable food items (and paper products, cleaning supplies etc.) to distribute. We hope to be able to purchase refrigerators and freezers in the very near future so that we can distribute perishable items. In the future we hope to be able to distribute USDA food goods.
How can I help?
There are many ways for you to help. If you can’t fill one of the jobs listed below, we need your prayers. And, of course, monetary contributions will always be helpful.
There are many ways for you to help. If you can’t fill one of the jobs listed below, we need your prayers. And, of course, monetary contributions will always be helpful.
Can you fill one of these roles?
Shoppers: Shoppers will go to Second Harvest Food Bank in Gray once or twice a month (as needed) to pick out the food we needed. You will need to make an appointment (it’s not like going to Food City!) but you can set your own schedule. Shoppers will have to attend training at Second Harvest before shopping by themselves. (You can go with someone who has already completed the training.) The training is offered the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
Transporters: Transporters will accompany the shoppers to Second Harvest, help load the food into vehicles and deliver the food to FUMC. Vehicles have to be covered. We can use the church vans (remove the back seats); but you will need to be on the “I can drive the church van” list.
Unloaders: Unloaders will be needed to move the food from the vehicles into the food pantry room. Depending upon the vehicle used, unloaders may need to be available on shopping days (when personal vehicles are used) or may be able to unload at their convenience (when the church van is used).
Stockers: Stockers will be needed to stock the shelves and keep them organized. Stockers should be able to set their own schedules.
Boxers/Baggers: Boxers/Baggers will put together the boxes or bags for each family. We’re still working out the best method. Boxers/baggers can set their own schedules but will be needed before each distribution day.
Greeters/Registration: We need smiling faces to greet the clients and make them feel welcome on the days of distribution. We will also be maintaining a database of those we serve so we will have a very short registration form that the greeters will help with.
Distributors: These folks will be inside the food pantry room and will give the food to the clients.
Inventory/Clean up: At the end of each distribution day, we will need to “take stock”, see what supplies we have given out and make a shopping list for the next time.
Data Entry: We will have a database of clients, a database for our food inventory and a database of our FUMC members who have agreed to serve. These databases will need to be updated every month.
To Volunteer or Donate or To Find Out Information about Requesting Food Boxes:
Contact:
The church office at 423-928-9222.
Email: office@1stChurchJC.org
Thank you!
From Your Food Pantry Organization Team (Peggy Humphreys)
Transporters: Transporters will accompany the shoppers to Second Harvest, help load the food into vehicles and deliver the food to FUMC. Vehicles have to be covered. We can use the church vans (remove the back seats); but you will need to be on the “I can drive the church van” list.
Unloaders: Unloaders will be needed to move the food from the vehicles into the food pantry room. Depending upon the vehicle used, unloaders may need to be available on shopping days (when personal vehicles are used) or may be able to unload at their convenience (when the church van is used).
Stockers: Stockers will be needed to stock the shelves and keep them organized. Stockers should be able to set their own schedules.
Boxers/Baggers: Boxers/Baggers will put together the boxes or bags for each family. We’re still working out the best method. Boxers/baggers can set their own schedules but will be needed before each distribution day.
Greeters/Registration: We need smiling faces to greet the clients and make them feel welcome on the days of distribution. We will also be maintaining a database of those we serve so we will have a very short registration form that the greeters will help with.
Distributors: These folks will be inside the food pantry room and will give the food to the clients.
Inventory/Clean up: At the end of each distribution day, we will need to “take stock”, see what supplies we have given out and make a shopping list for the next time.
Data Entry: We will have a database of clients, a database for our food inventory and a database of our FUMC members who have agreed to serve. These databases will need to be updated every month.
To Volunteer or Donate or To Find Out Information about Requesting Food Boxes:
Contact:
The church office at 423-928-9222.
Email: office@1stChurchJC.org
Thank you!
From Your Food Pantry Organization Team (Peggy Humphreys)