Food Distribution
At Grace Fellowship Church, we believe that compassion and care for our local community is not just a matter of talk or good intentions, but one of action. As the Apostle James famously said, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed or lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15-16)
That’s why we started the GFC Food Distribution—to show love and grace to people in our community in a real, tangible, and often delicious way. By giving out free boxes of food once a month, we hope to also be a humble, honest witness of Christ’s abundance and provsion in our lives. As Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). We invite you to come and receive the free gift not only of food for your bodies, but also of the gospel of Christ which is food for your soul!
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” -John 6:27
How Does Registration Work?
In order to be eligible to receive food, you must first download and fill out an application. You can download a digital application here (as a PDF), and then complete it digitally or print it and fill it out by hand.
Please submit your completed applicaton to the church office by email at [email protected], or by mail to Grace Fellowship Church, 27 Pecora Blvd., Hazle Township, PA 18202. You can also drop off your completed application in person at the church office. We are typically open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 2pm.
Please submit (or bring with you) the following additional documents along with your application:
- A copy of your local state issued Pennsylvania ID (with photo and address)
- A current utility bill showing your address
We will review your information and get back to you within 1-2 weeks. If you are approved, you will receive an Acceptance Letter. In that letter, you will receive a Permanent Food Distribution Number, which is yours only and should not be given to anyone else. You will also receive a tag with this number on it as well. (If you have not received a permanent number indicating you are pre-approved, please do not show up for food distribution. Only those who are pre-approved and have a permanent number will receive food.)
What to Expect On The Day Of
We hold our Community Food Distribution on the 1st Saturday morning of every month. (Cancelations due to inclement weather or other circumstances, are announced via automated phonecall, so please make sure you notify us of a change in your phone number. Cancelations are also typically posted on our church Facebook page.)
Please show up at the time indicated on your Acceptance Letter and bring ALL of the following items with you:
- Your Acceptance Letter
- Your numbered tag
- Your PA Photo ID.
Once you arrive, park your car in the church parking lot and proceed to the front of the church to sign in. (Please do NOT park your car on side streets of the community, on lawns, or on driveways.) After you are signed in, please wait in the sanctuary as we get everything ready for you. Feel free to mingle with our church members who are there to get to know you, speak with you, and pray with you.
One of the highlights of each Food Distribution is the opportunity to hear a brief Gospel message. We have two speakers each morning, one in English and one in Spanish, and we encourage you to recieve their messages gladly. We also offer Bibles free of charge in both English and Spanish so that you can have full access to God’s Word (which is the greatest blessing we can offer you). These are a gift, and it is our hope and prayer that they will be used to help you grow closer to God.
For Church Volunteers
As you have probably guessed by now, this ministry would not be possible without the hard work of our GFC members and attendees who volunteer their time and energy each month. It is only because of their labor of love that we are able to serve our community in this way. So if you are already a volunteer, then thank you for stepping up and making a difference!
If you regularly attend worship at GFC and have not yet attended a Food Distribution as a volunteer, it’s easy to get involved: just show up and you’ll be put to work! Here are some of the jobs we can always use more helpers with:
- Unloading the truck (6:30-7:30 am)
- Packing & distributing food boxes (starting at 8:00 am)
- Signing people in at the registration table (starting at 8:30 am)
- Greeting people in the sanctuary (also starting at 8:30am)
You can also serve a wide variety of other needs, such as carrying boxes, breaking down cardboard, cleanup (sweeping, mopping, cleaning tables), etc. Every little bit goes a long way, and all of it enables us to share God’s love with our community. (NOTE: This ministry opportunity is for members or attendees of Grace Fellowship Church, or for members of other churches that have contacted the office prior to volunteering.)
See you at the next Food Distribution!
