Feeding Redmond School Kids during COVID-19

In response to the global pandemic, 216 donors have helped the Redmond School Break Food Box Program fill over 700 boxes with cereal, crackers, pasta, eggs, tortillas, bread, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, carrots, apples (and more!).  We are so grateful for your support!  About four years ago, six not-so-young ladies started this program, hoping to fill the food gap when school cafeterias closed for school breaks.  None of us ever thought our little grassroots effort would be where it is today, as we shop in masks for 150 families, coordinate thousands of pounds of deliveries, manage a space we’re outgrowing, frequent stores so much that the managers know us by  name, and actually keep stats!  Dare I say, we’re starting to look like we know what we’re doing ?  We are so grateful for the many people who have reached out to us, offering moral support, coffee, connections, and volunteer time.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and again:  Our small, not-so-young, and mighty crew could not do this project without you!Some good news:  After stretching ourselves into the world of grant writing, we actually received one!


With our grant from UMCOR Global Ministries, we have been able to shop for shelf-stable food for two Summer Food Box Distribution Days.  Yay!  But we’re not quite there …  we surveyed our 140 families, and the absolute most favorite, highest-rated items in our boxes are, of course, the fresh fruits and vegetables!  Our boxes are so colorful, inviting, and nutritious; we think this is what makes these food boxes special!


We were hoping to give our amazingly generous donors a break this summer, but as it stands, our list of families experiencing food insecurity has grown, and the funds needed for each distribution day has increased.  So, we come before you again, with humble hearts, stating our need and having faith that the community will provide.  Here goes:  In order to provide nutrition and relief to 150 Redmond families this summer, we need help filling 20 more boxes with shelf-stable food and 300 bags with fresh fruits and vegetables.  We realize this is an uncertain time for so many, and this is a huge ask.  If you are able to donate to the cause, THANK YOU!!  If you would like to donate to the cause but aren’t able at this time, THANK YOU for cheering us on!!  Whatever you are able to give – money or moral support – you make this little gray-haired team of ours a little mightier … and that, my friends, is the miracle of community!