Groceries for Families: Week 33 - Day 2
We continue to benefit from cool but dry weather this week, which we will definitely take over rainy and windy any day. The wind is coming as soon as tomorrow and definitely Friday, so hopefully, we miss the worst of it tomorrow afternoon. Today was a rather routine day in the operation, which is always welcome. Shoppers were busy all morning dropping off groceries and pantry items. It’s delightful to see so many people coming into the parking lot, all doing their part to support this program. Families on Wednesday often arrive early to be social and enjoy the coffee we put out for them. Today there were about 20 people enjoying some community long before we opened. One started, the line persisted well out onto the lawn from 1pm-3:30pm. It was non-stop busy, but another great day.
Victory Court Delivery
Jubilee Friends Delivery
Groceries today came from Bellevue Christian Reformed, St. Louise, Crossroads Bible, 24-Seven, Victory Court, Bellevue Presbyterian, Calvary Chapel Eastside and Newport Covenant churches, as well as the Rotary Club of Bellevue, Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club and the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 238 orders came in, which is about 30 more than were expected. Thank you to all who brought extra today, wow! All but 11 went out to families today, so we actually needed quite a few of the extra. Thank you to everyone who participated today.
Today’s Market
Moments after yesterday’s email summary was sent, a text came from the food box delivery company, Cascadia Produce, letting us know there was another delay in the new food boxes. After speaking on the phone, we learned one of the protein items did not arrive, and the USDA requirements do not allow incomplete boxes to be shipped.
Cascadia offered a solution of sending 200 produce-only boxes, which could be rolled into the King County grant we have. So, this morning early a truck arrived to deliver the boxes which included kale, leeks, collard greens, golden beets, acorn squash, and green cabbage.
Since most of these are unique vegetables, we made the decision to empty the boxes and put all of it directly into the market, so people could choose. This was the right decision and made the market great. Inside the boxes, we included: half a gallon of milk, onion, potatoes, red beets, frozen meat (we didn’t have enough for everyone) and everything purchased this morning at Cash & Carry (lettuce, tomatoes, bananas, green pepper, cucumber, carrots, and cheese). It actually worked out fine, although not as balanced and a bit more expensive.
Food Box Delivery
The extra milk brought for yesterday’s families was desperately needed today. Without it, we would have had no milk today.
When lots of extra milk came yesterday, someone asked why we thought so much came. We didn’t know then but said there must be a reason for us to discover. Now we know why. Thank you so much to all who brought milk this week. Such a blessing.
Cascadia Produce has already confirmed that the new food boxes will indeed begin Thursday, so tomorrow’s summary should be able to detail those well. Hopefully, they show up on time. Stay tuned.
The AM volunteer group came from Bellevue Presbyterian. They did a great job of keeping the incoming groceries organized, especially with the increased numbers. They also helped figure out how to handle the produce boxes and best pack things for the families. Once a plan was in place, they quickly got to work making the final boxes. It was a great crew. Thank you!
Today’s AM Crew
A sweet story:
Before we opened today at 1pm, a woman approached the entrance to give something to the crew. She had a thank you not to give us and wanted to present it herself. She doesn’t speak English, so had her son write it for her. She was shy but very happy. The crew was very touched. She made our day. Please receive this thank you note yourself, as it is written to you, too.
Food!
Late yesterday, two families brought food for the crew, as often happens on Tuesdays. A woman brought ‘arroz con leche’, rice with milk. She has brought this before, and it is a favorite. Think of warm white rice with sweet milk flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. Two women brought homemade tamales, stuffed with meat and peppers, and homemade Mexican sweet bread. Oh my! The crust is thick and crunchy like a cookie, while the inside is puffed up like a pastry and very soft. Yummy! It is so special when love is poured back into the crew through food. Although you can’t enjoy the food, please accept their thanks, too.
Today’s PM Crew
Thank you for another wonderful day in the ‘Groceries for Families’ program.
Blessings to you,
Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family
