For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. — Matthew 25:35

2020 was a difficult year for many people in our area. The number of people facing food insecurity and hunger in our area has grown dramatically because of COVID-19. In a January 10 article, the Columbus Dispatch reported the number of new families visiting food banks between March 1
and Dec. 31, 2020, increased 26 percent. And 11 percent of all Ohio households reported they sometimes did not have enough to eat in the previous seven days between Nov. 25 and Dec. 7 (compared to 12.7 percent nationwide), according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

St. Andrew’s is responding to this need by installing a Blessing Box in the northwest corner of our parking lot to help anyone who might be experiencing the need for food. A Blessing Box is for anyone in the community to give what they can and take what they need. At this time we are stocking the box with non-perishable food items but hope to expand to personal care items in the future.

To make this a success we need everyone to participate at whatever level they can, including getting the word out via Facebook, etc. We have contacted neighboring churches, as well as local fire and police stations, to let them know that if someone shows up who is in need of food they are welcome to make use of our Blessing Box. 

Parishioners can also help by checking the box and restocking if needed. We would ask that you avoid putting chips, cookies, candy, etc. in the box. If you re-stock please say a prayer for anyone who might need the food in the box. We hope that through the Blessing Box we can minister to members of our community who are in need.

Suggested donations include:

• peanut butter

• canned pasta and soup

• canned fruit

• canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef, turkey)

• pasta and sauce

• macaroni and cheese (add-water kind only)

• individual packets of instant oatmeal 

Healthy snacks such as granola bars, pudding cups, individual packets of Teddy Graham’s, and cocoa and juice boxes would also be appreciated. 

Please, no glass containers at this time because the freezing and thawing could cause the glass to break. Cans with pop tops are also encouraged because people might not have access to a can opener.

Please click here if you have any questions. And be sure to watch “The Net” and our weekly email for information as this ministry evolves!