March Newsletter

Behind every Food Cooperative bag of groceries packed is a family desiring to rise out of circumstances and situations they face daily. Joshua’s Place has the opportunity now to serve 19 more families in the Warren County community with a regular supply of groceries, relationships, and development opportunities through our Lebanon Food Cooperative that launched this past month!

Unlike a food pantry, participants pay $5 bi-weekly to receive $50 in groceries and become actively involved in developmental programs offered. It gives them “skin in the game,” and it gives them dignity. Together, the Food Co-Op and developmental classes offered display God’s hand at work meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of committed families—providing a source of hope and transformation.

Joshua’s Place is excited to see how the ministry continues to touch lives and expand into more communities. This program could not be effective without volunteers who continue to show up and generously give their time, money, and support. Volunteers serve foremost as friends of those in the program and then as servant leaders who buy groceries, stock shelves, greet families, and stand in as coordinators and course presenters.

Joshua’s Place has found alternative ways to continue providing over 10,000 opportunities to show Christ’s love to families through weekend food packs for families experiencing food insecurity. Last year on the first Saturday of the month, our community packs were open to the public. We would have up to 100 people at some packing days assembling over 1,000 weekend food packs (60,000 meal options). With Covid restrictions, we still allowed community packs to take place, but we limited the size, and the groups had to schedule their group to pack. By controlling the size and assigning a leader that could be called for contact tracing if necessary, we have maintained the same goals from last year!

Ed and Lori began their journey with Joshua’s Place by serving Kings Food Co-op and mentoring parents through the Common Sense Parenting developmental class series. As the Lord gave them a stronger desire for engagement, they found more opportunities to serve in fundraising events, food collections, and packing days. When asked their favorite part of serving, their answer was short and straightforward—”the people, the ones we are serving and serving alongside.” Through their involvement, they saw the Kings Food Cooperative’s impact and committed to aid in the Lebanon Food Cooperative opening this past month. Joshua’s Place appreciates their heart to love and serve!