Pastor's Corner: Feeding the hungry right here

Prior to the expanding spread of covid-19, the Shafter Community Task Force hosted a group from Kern County, "Waste Hunger, Not Food," in our church dining room. They gave an inspiring presentation of a food recovery program that had been started in Bakersfield in order to feed those who struggled with "food insecurity" issues.

As it was discussed at our Task Force and plans were being prepared, unfortunately, covid-19 put a stop to all of it. However, those plans have been revisited over these past several months, and I'm excited to let you know that it is happening here in Shafter!

The Task Force has been able to work out a soon-to-be-implemented plan that involves our local Teen Challenge providing the manpower and transportation, the City of Shafter and American Refuse coordinating storage resources through a grant program, and our sister church, Iglesia Companerismo Cristiano, providing a collection and distribution point for the Smith's Corner neighborhood.

The food that is currently being recovered comes from the Richland School District cafeteria that serving both Redwood Elementary and the junior high. Plans are being made to expand the collection, transportation and distribution from the other district cafeterias as soon as possible.

It's also important to note that this is one of several similar programs in Shafter that help feed and clothe those in need. It's been a privilege to lead the Task Force and see these plans come together. I'll keep you informed of ways that you can be involved, as these programs continue to grow and we care for the members of our community.

Let's together and model Jesus's words found in Matthew 25:35: "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 invited me in."