Westside Food Bank
Westside Food Bank – Volunteers Needed!
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year at the Westside Food Bank. While school is out and expenses rise many children and seniors throughout our communities face an increased need for food support. Because of that, your volunteer support is more important than ever. Thus, the Westside Food Bank is looking for volunteers to assist with food sorting and packing, mobile pantry distributions, and warehouse support all summer long! Click this link to sign up for volunteer opportunities based on your schedule:
http://www.wsfb.org/take-action/volunteer-opportunities/. Additionally, join the FUMC monthly team on June 24 and July 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to sort and pack food for distribution. Let us all help care for our neighbors in need. If you have any questions or to volunteer, contact Rev. Keri k.olsenpaget@santamonicaumc.org.
We collect food weekly for the Westside Food Bank. Bins are located outside the Sanctuary and at the Welcome table on Sunday mornings. Food needed: Baby foods and formula; Canned beans; Canned meats, fish, soups & stews; Canned pasta sauce, tomatoes; Canned fruits, vegetables; Cereal (hot and cold); Cooking oil; Flour and baking mixes; Fruit juices and shelf stable milk; Peanut butter and other nut butters; Protein, energy, or granola bars. All donations are appreciated!
Hear about the observations from Westside Food Bank at their mobile pantries and experiences from those they serve. Jermaine Butler oversees our Mobile Food Markets and hosts them multiple times a week. He works diligently to ensure nutritious food, hygiene kits, and other essential items are distributed to those they serve. Jermaine often speaks with our clients to learn about their situations. Watch video to get an update on what he is hearing from our neighbors in need.
November 2024: Our First UMC Church and Preschool team surpassed our goal for the Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk, raising an incredible $5,660! Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us. Our team had the Largest Number of Donors and Martha Ross received an award for the largest donation. Your generosity will make a real difference in our community. Together, we’re taking steps to end hunger!
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Leigh Erlandson gave us an update on the work Westside Food Bank does in the Community, and also about their annual 5k Hunger Walk.
November 2023: We are grateful for all of the participation in last Sunday’s Westside Food Bank Hunger walk. Nearly 400 people joined in the fight against hunger! Our team captain Martha Ross accepted on First UMC’s behalf, the award for the top fundraising team due to our raising over six thousand dollars! Thank you to everyone who helped make this a record-breaking event!
The Westside Food Bank is an important ministry partner with the First UMC Santa Monica congregation. Their work and mission: to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating for a strong food assistance network. Last year they provided over 10 million meals and this year, we are dedicated to helping them continue their good work!
How can I participate in this ministry?
Pick up extra cans of food the next time you’re at the grocery store. Each Sunday we have bins located outside the Sanctuary to collect these donations for the Westside Food Bank. We also host seasonal food drives when the food bank is in need of particular food or goods.
Thank you for a successful 2022 Hunger Walk!
We celebrate the great turnout and community presence of First UMC during last Sunday’s Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk! 14 First UMC members came out and walked to help end hunger in our community, while many others walked on their own time, or donated to the team. Together we raised just over 3 thousand dollars, and, First UMC won the award for Top Fundraising Team! We thank you all!
Thanks to everyone who represented First UMC at the Westside Food Bank food sort day on Saturday, May 14, 2022! All of your volunteer work is greatly appreciated!
