journeys-page

Helping feed those experiencing food insecurity is a calling of Trinity. Eight years ago this month, Trinity began distributing food that is supplied by Foodbank for the Heartland out of Omaha. First Presbyterian church also helps each month. We aptly named this process “Loaves and Fishes”. Considerable change has happened in the past 8 years. At first the food was placed on the tables set on our circle drive and people were allowed to pick up what they wanted. Because of traffic flow we moved to the Salvation Army parking lot and later we were graciously allowed to move to the city Utilities building inside their garage area. Burger King allowed us to use part of their parking lot. People lined up outside and came in as room would allow. This process took about 7 hours to complete each month. Thus some people worked in shifts and it took about 120 people to manage the day. And then COVID hit. We had to cancel one month and search for another site. With the help of the police department we were allowed to move to Fonner Park. Initially we were outside but as winter came we were allowed inside the cattle barn. While we were at Fonner, the amount of food we were receiving went from food for 375 families up to enough boxes for 950 families. The food was now packed in boxes. At times we were receiving 2 semi loads a month. And because of lifting boxes that might weigh 25 pounds and not setting everything out on tables, it took many less people. As COVID began to lift, Fonner became busy again and this time we moved to the parking lot at College Park. We also direct traffic through the CCC lot. The number of families served eventually dropped back to 750 families and finally to where we are currently, 525 families. The total number of families we have served in that time is about 52,450. And if we look at the number of people served that total is about 173,000. Anyone who has ever worked at Loaves and Fishes, even one time, or those serving practically every month, everyone who prays for this ministry, everyone who has bought gift cards to hand out when we run out of food, anyone who takes food to neighbors or friends, anyone who supports this ministry in any way, you have made a significant impact in helping feed people of our area, you are wonderfully amazing. Thank you many times over!! – Deb Brummund