Al's Outreach Outtakes

Several of you have contacted me about the various ways that we distribute food so I thought I would try to summarize where we are at this time. Keep in mind that the methods vary depending upon the time of year, what resources are available and, of course, if there is a pandemic! Flexibility is the key with our focus being on the best available ways we can serve those in need.
 
First and foremost, of course, is our Food Closet. While our days and hours remain the same (Tue., Wed., Fri. 10:00am—12:30pm), our approach has completely changed. Rather than people coming inside, all serving is done outside. People still have a great deal of choice, but remain in their cars until we have their order ready. Produce, meat, dairy, personal care items and more are offered on an as available basis. Options and choices are an important part of this ministry and we work hard at making certain those are available. If you watch the table above you can see that we serve around 400 people each week.
 
Next, every Tuesday we host a mobile food kitchen provided by St. Vincent De Paul. They are here during our Food Closet hours and give families an opportunity to pick up a lunch or dinner to take home with them. While no one is allowed inside, 250 or more to-go meals are served each week.
 
Finally, our newest addition is the Farm to Families food box distribution next door at Beaverton Foursquare. Working with the Archdiocese of Portland, each Thursday from 9:00am until Noon (or the food is gone) a refrigerated truck sits in their parking lot where collectively we distribute over 1000 boxes of food. Produce one week, dairy another, a combo box the third. All is provided through a USDA program that benefits local farmers and distributors while feeding hundreds of families in need. This particular program is replicated throughout the Archdiocese and the Beaverton School District (Aloha High School– Wednesdays at Noon). Click here for the latest on locations, times, and type of boxes being provided.
 
As you can see, we have multiple ways we are helping feed the community. If you or someone you know could use some help with food, please  utilize any of these or contact me for additional resources.