June 1, 2021

We begin week 62 of ‘Groceries for Families’ with the arrival of summer, seemingly so. For the first time all year, it was warm in the morning. Even the 7:30am volunteers were in short sleeves. By 10am, the warmth could really be felt under the canopies. By the afternoon, it was hot, at least for Western WA people not used to it. Doors and windows were open at Jubilee. Fans have been pulled out of storage. The operation today ran very smoothly. Lots of happy people came into the parking lot all morning with groceries, pantry, and hygiene items. Thank you, everyone. Families started with a short line at open but kept a steady pace through the afternoon. It was a normal Tuesday.

Groceries today were provided by St. Madeleine Sophie, Crossroads Bible, Creekside Covenant, East Shore Unitarian, Bellevue Presbyterian, Westminster Chapel, Bellevue Christian Reformed, Covenant Presbyterian, and Cornerstone Fellowship churches, as well as the Bellevue Kiwanis Club and the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 163 came in today and all went out to families. Thank you to everyone who donated.

The AM crew was a group of general volunteers today. They worked hard all morning receiving deliveries and putting things away. Multiple large donations of flowers, along with donors bringing bouquets, also kept them busy making small bouquets. Near the end of their shift, they packed about 65 bags with eggs and produce. Thank you, crew!

Thank you to the stores which donate food and the volunteers which bring it to Jubilee. It all fills the market daily. Kathy & Dale deliver from Safeway Thrasher’s Corner; Rick delivers from Amazon Fresh; Mike, Gil & Kyle deliver from QFC Crossroads; Fred delivers from Trader Joes Overlake; Duanne & Bob deliver from Safeway Overlake via Renewal Food Bank; Gil & Mike deliver from a Local Distributor; Fred delivers from Whole Foods Bellevue. Thank you all!

Today was the first day without the USDA food boxes. Nationwide, the program ended yesterday. Sadly, there are 36 locations around western WA that won’t have food this week for the first time in a long time. We utilized the many donated plastic grocery bags to pack eggs and fresh produce. Each family received one bag. Then, we used frozen meat to give each family at least 1 pound of protein. They had a choice between two kinds – today was chicken or beef. We saved a lot of apples, onions, and potatoes from boxes over the last month, so put some in the market today. Operationally, it works great. It is good timing to have the boxes disappear. Thank you to those who donate cash, which goes toward the purchase of fresh foods each day.

Senior lunches went out to 32 people in the community today. A lovely chef salad and an assortment of goodies were packaged by Barb. She, Gina, and Theresa delivered them around the city late this morning. Thank you, ladies, for all the love your pour into your work.

A few stories and updates:

A family has been coming on Tuesday for at least a year. The mom brings her son, Juan, each week. Juan had brain surgery, so he has a big scar across his head. He has a lot of energy and often comes around to greet the crew. We remember him all last summer and have watched him grow up a bit over the last year. Today, Trenton played with him a bit and put him on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, which got him excited and distracted him enough to allow his mom to take care of the groceries.

We helped a woman today who is diabetic and found herself with low blood sugar. She sat at the picnic tables and had some apple juice to stabilize. She shared that she has given up both bread and tortillas (she is Hispanic). Her numbers are better, and she has lost 6 pounds. It was a nice moment with her.

Last Friday, one man shared with Daniel a bit of his story. He is undocumented and trying hard to care for his family of 5. He has construction work but only about 30 hours a week. The rest of the time, he stands outside Home Depot to pick up work. Recently, he picked up a $1600 job from a man to do some significant wall reconstruction. He brought a friend to help him. When complete, the homeowner refused to pay because they don’t have a business license. The man had no leverage to force the homeowner to pay. He told Daniel, of course, he is angry and now behind one week in earning money, but he has to move on. However, because of ‘Groceries for Families,’ he is not scared because he knows food will be provided, which is very important.

Trenton shared a quick profile of a woman who came last Friday to talk about Phase 3. She is divorced and receives no child support for her three children. She is raising them alone and struggles to find work. She is stuck. It was a difficult story to hear.

We begin week 62 with 613 families registered in ‘Groceries for Families’ and 31 on the waiting list. (Waiting list families still receive food weekly.) This is down from 639 last week, so a significant drop. Attendance today was down a little from normal. This trend has been continuing all spring.

We’re continuing to meet with families on Friday and Monday. To be considered for Phase 3, they are required to come to talk with us in person. Last Friday, about 20 families came. We were closed yesterday. In total, there are about 75 families which have come. There are two more opportunities for families to come chat. Next week, we will be looking at the collective need and be building the framework of Phase 3. Stay tuned.

Thanks for a great start to the week. Thanks also for your encouraging words and affirming comments, as you drop off donations. Knowing your hearts are so connected to these families, fills us all up with energy and drive to continue each day.

Enjoy the warmth of this summer evening in Bellevue,

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

Groceries for Families: Week 62 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 62 - Day 2

Groceries for Families: Week 61 - Day 3