St. Stephen United Methodist Church
OUTREACH FOOD BANK
Caring Hands Sharing God's Goods
Newsworthy
COVID-19
As you all know, this year has proven to be a challenge in many more ways than one. While no one could ever have imagined having a global pandemic that would literally shut down our country and the world, Covid-19 has taken the wind out of our sails and forced us to step up our game. We regularly feed a minimum of 1,500 people each month, many of whom are referred to us by Social Services due to advancing age, handicap, or just a change in circumstances such as a loss of job or illness. But the last year has greatly increased the number of recipients we serve due to sustained lack of employment and severe food insecurity.
We have had to change the way we serve, requiring our recipients to queue up in their cars and remain inside with a mask. We've also had to make additional trips to pick up donations and most importantly, we've had to reallocate our funds to accommodate additional food purchases, gas expense and escalating insurance costs.
And, as if Covid-19 wasn't enough to keep us on our toes, our truck's transmission died early in the year, our patio roof sprung a leak and one of our commercial freezers decided it had had enough. But even with all of these curves we've had to maneuver, we didn't miss a beat because we have been abundantly blessed with people coming to our aid. Without the support of our many friends, we couldn't provide the much-needed services to feed those in need.
LOVE LETTER TO OUR FRIENDS
Sometimes the words 'Thank You" just don't seem to be enough. How can we ever convey the gratitude we feel for all you've done.
Our volunteers, grantors, donors, friends and family are always there to support us with everything we need to continue our mission of feeding Jasper County's poor. Even in these unprecedented tough times, that extra effort, going above and beyond, has meant that we are able to keep our doors open and continue to provide enough food for everyone who needs it. We'd like to give a special thanks to the following:
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
All Saints Episcopal Church Garden Tour
Friends of Callawassee
John Murphy, New River Transmission
Jennifer Hall, CPA
Harvey's Grocery Store
Deep Well
The Lowcountry Food Bank
Second Helpings
Ellis Foundation
Hampton Pointe Community
Coastal Carolina Medical Staff
News
September 15, 2014
"Food Bank Gets New Home"
On September 15th, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church took occupancy of its brand new modular building to house their food bank.
May 15, 2015
"Food Bank's Grand Opening and Building Dedication Despite torrential rainy day."
After many months of planning, fundraising and hard work, a Grand Opening Celebration to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who made it all possible, was held at the new home of the St. Stephen's Outreach Food Bank, 3524 Smiths Crossing in Ridgeland. Heavy rain could not keep sponsors and local residents away from this happy occasion. Reverend Snowden gave the dedication and prayer and expressed his thanks for the hard work of so many wonderful people.
Former Pastor, Reverend Snowden and Helen Shuler, Director
New shelves stocked with supplies
AUG
Annual Backpack Program
Providing new backpacks filled with essential school supplies gives a child who has nothing, a sense of pride and a head start on a school year filled with promise.
Of course, this year was like no other with children home schooling for the last five months of the school year and starting 2020/2021 again mostly at home. Children are meant to be with each other to socialize, grow AND learn. Unfortunately, they have been deprived of their normal routines.
The Hampton Pointe community once again spearheaded the Backpack Progam and provided customized bags for children of the food program recipients. Bags were stuffed with the normal school supplies in addition to headphones, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, masks, tissues and more. Each child also got a shopping bag filled with at least a week's worth of breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Although we distribute the backpacks in late July, early August prior to the start of the new school year, we collect supplies and monetary donations all throughout the year. To donate supplies and/or backpacks, or for additional information call: Felice at 516-978-0289.
In January 2021, The Lowcountry Food Bank awarded St. Stephen one of three refrigerated pods to allow us to store an abundance of fresh produce to serve our recipients. This gift was predicated on the number of families registered with us to receive food on a weekly basis. Since we have consistently seen those numbers escalate, the LCFB was very generous in choosing us to gift this refrigerated unit. Prior to receiving it, we were very limited in what we could receive to hand out. Now we are able to store most items for a week or so allowing us to share it with more people. Thank You LCFB!
