11/02/2025
Thank you Generations Church!
Hey Generations Fam!!
As we are on the brink of another passing month, we find ourselves in the midst of a national crisis. As you may have heard, the current government shutdown has had a looming effect on SNAP benefits/food stamps, coming to fruition in the beginning of November.
As of Nov. 1st, many people in our community will find it difficult to put food on their table. Our staff has been driven in putting together Care Teams, and one arm of these Care Teams is food distribution through our food pantry. We offer boxes of prepackaged, shelf-stable food that will last a family of four approximately 4-7 days. The manner in which we developed the inventory for these food boxes has been evaluated and tested for viability for over a year (i.e. cans that do not require can openers, meal items that are shelf-stable, nutritious, and have a semblance of order [spaghetti noodles with spaghetti sauce, etc.]) This also speaks to managing storage and supplies.
We have caring and dedicated staff and volunteers to purchase, transport, receive, organize, and disseminate our food pantry items. However, with the government shutdown we are anticipating a much greater need for food boxes for those in our community who depend on the SNAP/food stamp program.
You may be wondering how you can contribute! On Sunday, Nov. 9th, we are hosting "Bring a Box Sunday." Here's the challenge:
Each box of food we giveaway has the same items (intentionally):
- (1) peanut butter
- (2) canned soups
- (1) bag of rice
- (2) can tuna
- (2) canned chicken
- (6) applesauce packets/cups
- (3) cans green beans
- (2) Canned corn
- (3) Ritz cracker sleeves
- (5) granola bars
- (1) Package of spaghetti noodles
- (1) spaghetti sauce (plastic jar/canned- no glass please)
- (1) canned beans (baked, ranch-style etc.)
- (2) canned chili
- (8) instant oatmeal packets (single serving)
- (3) boxes Mac-n-cheese
- (3) ramen soup cups
- (1) loaf of bread
- (2) shelf-stable non-refrigerated milk
- (1) box cereal
The challenge is this: on Sunday, Nov. 9th bring a box (or boxes) of the aforementioned items to the sanctuary. Perhaps you are wondering, "What if I just can't get to the store?" or "Is there a way to give financially to this event?" Yes!
So we have found that the total cost of one of these boxes (off brand- which is fine!) is approximately $60 including tax. Simply come ready with your donation in increments of $60 each and note on your giving envelope and write in "Box Sunday."
FAQ's
1. Do I need to buy the name brand of the items on this list?
No. Off brand is just fine- the $60 mark is for off brand items, but if you would like to buy name brand items, that's fine!
2. I've got some of that stuff in my pantry now- can I just bring that?
We appreciate the thought, but keep that for your family! We buy new food items that will hopefully last, without needing to further manage expiration dates.
3. Can I donate other food items for this event not listed above?
We appreciate the thought! We are only currently structured to hand out food in an equitable fashion to maintain consistency and dignity in what we've given out. For example, you may be incline to donate caviar (example lol), but if we give one family caviar and another canned tuna, the latter family may feel less than appreciated. This also speaks to our current storage situation, we appreciate your understanding!
We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us for this worthwhile event on Sunday, Nov. 9th!
