Providing weekend meals to local area children
For more than seven years, Grace Church has provided area school children with nutritional support for their weekend meals through a backpack of food to be taken home each week. During the 2023-2024 school year, we distributed food to 50 children through two local schools, Walter P. Carter Elementary and Tunbridge Public Charter School. This ministry remains one of the most impactful efforts of our congregation, ensuring that children have access to high-quality, nourishing food over each weekend of the school year.
The Elijah Backpack Food Ministry draws inspiration from the prophet Elijah’s encounter with a widow, from whom he asks for food. Despite her meager resources, the widow invites the prophet into her home and serves both he and her son with bread made from her last portions of flour and oil. In response to her generosity and sacrifice, Elijah blessed the woman and her child, assuring them that their supplies for flour and oil will never be depleted. (1 Kings 17:8-16)
This miracle of sharing and abundance is strengthened by Jesus’s notice of another widow, who places her two last coins into the temple offering box. By shining light on her generosity, Jesus reminds us that God values the generous heart of the giver more than the quantity of the gift. Throughout his ministry Jesus blesses persons who give freely, multiples meals into abundant feasts, and gives his life as nourishment for all. His actions guide our mission today. “Jesus also blessed those who gave generously and provided miraculous meals as a sign of God’s kingdom.”
Funds are needed to purchase food and supplies for the upcoming school year. We aim to fill at least 1,700 food bags with healthy and appealing meals. It has been a blessing to provide for those in need and watch this ministry grow over the years.
Please donate today using our Online Giving Page. Be sure to label your donation as “Elijah Mission Project” so the funds can go to the right place.
Thank you for your contribution!
Your Backpack Ministry Team, Grace United Methodist Church