Food Drive Planned for Sunday, April 20

The Hunger Program, under the auspices of the Mission Outreach Ministry, is currently planning our next food drive. Fairfax Presbyterian Church is a member of Our Daily Bread, an ecumenical group serving hungry people that distributes donated and purchased groceries to homeless family groups housed in homes and motels in and near Fairfax City. Last fall, we provided food to 85 adults and children in 30 families. This spring, with your help, we hope to exceed that number! In addition to serving these families for this particular Food Drive, the Hunger Program needs to replenish the diminishing supply of food and diapers in our FISH Food Pantry, which serves as an source for meeting emergency requests from individuals who find themselves in need. All recipients of these gifts are truly grateful for this assistance, and stocking the FISH pantry is an easy, wonderful way for you to show God’s love in our community. Please give generously during this time of extraordinary need!

On Sundays March 30, April 6 and April13, shopping bags will be distributed to the congregation; and on Sunday, April 20, you are requested to bring food in these bags to the fellowship hall, especially canned goods, loaves of bread and diapers. FPC volunteers will deliver the food that same day to homeless people nearby. Excess canned goods and diapers will be stored in our church pantry for Fairfax FISH. If you wish to contribute, please return the bags with these suggested items to the church on Sunday, April 20. When selecting canned items, please look for low-salt varieties.

• Canned soup, tuna, salmon and meat
• Peanut butter (again, check the sugar and salt content)
• Canned and dried fruit and nuts
• Canned vegetables, tomato sauce and pasta sauce
• Canned, 100% fruit juice (not “fruit drinks,” which consist largely of water and corn syrup)

• Whole grain boxed cereals, oatmeal and muesli
• Whole wheat pasta
• Brown rice or the mixtures of brown rice, barley, rye and other grains that are becoming more available (at both Giant and Trader Joe's)

• Canned and dried beans, peas, and lentils
• Dried or boxed milk, soy milk and rice milk (please check expiration dates)
• And especially DIAPERS for infants and toddlers.

Your generosity is deeply appreciated

by many homeless people.