This year, we as a church have continued and strengthened our commitment to addressing food insecurity in our community. Right now, support for local food shelves and other food programs is needed more than ever, and we have a few ways you can help support our neighbors in Prospect Park and nearby communities.
Glendale Food Shelf
Prospect Park UMC has a longstanding relationship with Glendale Food Shelf, and they are always in need of donations.
This year, we are hoping to raise enough money to assist with Glendale’s Thanksgiving distributions. Below is a message from Carolina Elizondo, Director of Glendale Food Shelf:
“With everything going on with SNAP and other pieces of the social safety net, we are hoping to distribute at least 100 turkeys and 50 whole chickens to our food shelf community during November.
The turkeys will cost about $2,000 and the chickens will cost about $200. We have been able to add on additional items in the past like cooking oil, fresh produce and canned goods, but with the recent increased demand at the food shelves, we will be focusing on just the protein this year to ensure our food budget can stretch through the last couple months of the year.
We appreciate the ongoing support during these crucial months for the families we work with. Our work would be very limited without these kinds of community collaborations. “
With your help, we are hopeful we can help realize Glendale’s goal. To make a donation click here. You may also write a check out to Prospect Park UMC with “Glendale” in the memo, or put cash in the offering plate on Sunday with a note designating it is for Glendale.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our neighbors at Glendale.
Free Community Meals
Prospect Park UMC hosts a free community meal every third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in partnership with Loaves & Fishes. Meals are tasty, nutritious, and do not contain pork. ALL are welcome to attend and either dine-in or take food to-go.
Our food ministry has grown significantly, and we are currently looking for reusable cloth bags that can be used for takeout meals. If you would like to donate bags, contact the church office to coordinate drop-off, or come during worship on Sunday morning.
Otherwise, you can support our meals by spreading the word and coming to eat with us!
For more information, visit: https://www.prospectparkchurch.org/community-meals/
Free Food Pantry
Outside the church are two repurposed newspaper boxes that act as a free food pantry for anyone to utilize. Take what you need, and leave what you can!
Currently, we are looking to stock these with grab-and-go items. There are some people who live in their cars and don’t have a way to boil water to make instant meals. Protein bars, crackers and cheese, peanut butter, nuts, dried meats or fruits are all good options.
When it starts freezing outdoors, food in cans or jars doesn’t work well for the food pantries; please bring dry ingredients and mixes.
