June 17, 2021

We end week 64 of GFF on a very positive note, with great weather and a smooth-running operation. The morning had chill very early today, but it quickly gave way to a lovely day. The sun was out, and a slight breeze kept up much of the day. Lots of people were in summer clothes. Love it! The morning was typically busy with lots of happy people dropping off groceries, pantry, and hygiene items. Thank you, everyone! Families started with a deep line at the opening and then it went very quiet, before picking up again to a steady pace the rest of the afternoon. It was a very typical Thursday, which is just fine. Two weeks from today will be the last day of Phase 2.

Groceries today were provided by Jubilee Friends group, as well as Lighthouse, Victory Court, Highland Covenant, Doxa, Overlake Park Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Sacred Heart Parish & School, Crossroads Bible, and Bellevue Presbyterian churches.

A total of 150 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 26 carried over from yesterday. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The AM crew was a mix of returning and new volunteers, not connected to one partner organization. They made quick work of receiving all the incoming deliveries, packing bags of produce, and getting the operation ready for the afternoon. Well done and thank you, crew.

Pastor Gerardo with El Dios Viviente Methodist Church came this afternoon to pick up all the remaining market food we had. He still has many people in his White Center neighborhood needing food, so it is great to share with him. Instead of food remaining here, it can reach a family’s home tonight.

A few stories and updates:

Lily was here to pick up two boxes of sandwiches to take to the homeless in downtown Seattle. This has become her weekly mission. Here’s what she emailed back: “Today was a busy day in the marketplace. I couldn't find parking but I thought I was giving up I found a spot 😄😁😆 People were looking for me already because I came from a different direction 😄😃 they were happy to see different treats on the 🍩 left so fast. People in their park were looking at me and one lady asks me if I was feeding the homeless and I say yes!. On the mission, I drop the rest of the food and Kyle told me there's not left by the end of lunchtime. He is thankful and be happy to give others and blessed 🙌🙏✨💓💖❤”

One of the Asian elderly ladies Thursday regularly is bringing the crew pickled sunchoke, which she grows in her garden. It tastes like pickled beets. She is very, very proud to present it to us. Today, she brought small jars of mashed sunchoke, instead of cut-up pieces. She used to be in the Jubilee ESL classes, so has a deeper connection. She and her husband walk from their nearby home. Those of us who receive the sunchoke has developed a taste for it. It’s pretty good.

A note from a family: “The help we receive from Jubilee means a lot because I save so much on buying essentials which you give us, like diapers, tortillas, veggies, even dog food. My parents moved in with us because they had now where else to go. The milk is very helpful for them. We also use diapers and wipes. Thank you. Not having this help would really impact our family because my brother is the only one who works. He works in painting and his hours are still limited. Please thank everyone who makes this possible.”

Thank you for another great week of ‘Groceries for Families’. We’re down to the final two weeks of the current operation, and things feel like they are moving forward very well. Please continue to pray for these families and the transition coming up. We’re continuing to move forward on faith.

Have a great weekend,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families: Week 64 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 65 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 64 - Day 2