[StBernard] FBC Community Food Pantry

[Westley Annis]

April
2008
First Baptist Church 
Community Food Pantry 
Opening May 6, 2008
 
		
  
First Baptist Church Community Food Pantry 
 
Dr. John Dee Jeffries, Pastor
 
 
In A Nation Of Plenty, Many Are Hungry

 

            Hunger, once considered a third-world problem, is a reality for
nearly 36 million Americans living in the world's richest nation. Several
hundred of them, perhaps more than a thousand, live in St. Bernard parish.
The financial stress of Katrina, the escalating cost of gasoline and
utilities, coupled with threats of a national recession have created
circumstances where many families in St. Bernard parish are either unable to
afford or are struggling to purchase food.

            "Terrifying statistics are starting to emerge," related Dr. John
Dee Jeffries, pastor, FirstBaptistChurch, Chalmette.  "In previous hurricane
devastated areas 4 out of 10 of those needing ongoing food assistance were
children.  None of those in the survey were in communities as grievously
afflicted as St. Bernard parish. We believe that Christ would have us
intervene into this potential crisis."

            To that end Jeffries and the Chalmette congregation will open
the First Baptist Chalmette Community Food Pantry, with food distribution
and supplemental food assistance services slated to begin on May 6.  The
food pantry is an agency of Second Harvest Food Bank. 

            Jeffries stressed that it is important for those needing food
assistance to contact the Food Pantry by telephone (504-684-0503) beginning
May 6 to schedule an initial assessment appointment.  

"When people dial that number," related Jeffries, "they will be prompted to
leave their name and telephone number on the Food Pantry's voice mail.  The
Food Pantry Director will return their call to schedule an initial
appointment with our volunteer Food Pantry staff."

The Food Pantry Director, Kenny Forsyth, is no stranger to food pantry
operations in St. Bernard parish. Forsyth co-founded and managed the
Servants of Christ Food Distribution & Community Services of St. Bernard
Parish from 1995 until Hurricane Katrina. The Servants of Christ has
operated a small mobile food pantry post Katrina.

"Our volunteers, and we definitely need more volunteers," stated Forsyth,
"our volunteers have shelved more than 15,000 lbs of food in our Food Pantry
storage area to launch this ministry.  We're ready, definitely ready, to
begin supplemental food assistance services to residents of St. Bernard
parish."  

To qualify for supplemental food assistance services applicants must provide
(1) A Valid Drivers License or picture/ I.D., (2) Proof of St. Bernard
parish residence such as utility bill, etc.; and, (3)  The combined gross
income of all persons in household and check stub, tax return statement,
etc. (4)  Award letter for food stamps, AFDC, or Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) if applicable.

            According to Forsyth, a registered mental health specialist, the
First Baptist Church Community FoodPantry will also be offering Pastoral
Care and Counseling, Social & Life Skills Training for adults, children and
teens, and Chemical Dependency Counseling for both adults and teens.  "With
these social ministries readily available, individuals and families are
better able to work towards self-sufficiency," related Forsyth.  

Anyone needing supplemental food assistance services, individual or family
counseling, or desiring to participate in the ministry as a volunteer, may
contact Forsyth through the Food Pantry voice mail beginning May 6.
(504-684-0503).

 
The Bible Speaks on Hunger 
God Cares Greatly About the Poor and Hungry As Shown in Both the Old and New
Testaments. 
 
Matthew 25:35-40 - "'For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I
was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you
took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of
Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him,
'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You
something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or
without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and
visit You?' And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did
for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.'" 
 
Deuteronomy 15:11 - "For there will never cease to be poor people in the
land; that is why I am commanding you, 'You must willingly open your hand to
your afflicted and poor brother in your land.'"
When Jesus paraphrased this verse, He was speaking of the propriety of
putting Himself first while He was here in the flesh. He was defending the
actions of one who was criticized for anointing Jesus with precious oil.
Sadly, some use our Lord's own words in attempting to justify their
complacency towards those in need. 
Matthew 26:11 - "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always
have Me."
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE 
CHALMETTE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA 10:30 AM
 
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TOUR OUR FOOD PANTRY FACILITY CONTACT-
 
Kenny Forsyth, MHS
Program Director   439-9941
leapinfo at yahoo.com <mailto:leapinfo at yahoo.com> 
YOUR FINANCIAL GIFT WILL HELP SUPPLY FOOD TO ST. BERNARD NEEDY FAMILIES

 
PLEASE MAIL YOUR GIFT TO-

$                                                        $
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
2010 W. BEAUREGARD ST.
CHALMETTE, LA. 70043

 

CHECK MEMO - "FOOD PANTRY"