Local Help for those losing SNAP benefits:
Currently approximately 650,000 Missourians, 10% of the state’s population, receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance) benefits, approximately 41 million nationally participate in the program (NPR, STLPR, USA.Gov, Missouri Foundation for Health). These benefits end on October 31st. This is due to the continuance of the government shut down.
With the loss of benefits, people will turn most to food assistance programs and food pantries. We must consider how to help with this great influx of people in need. Kirkwood school district has a weekday meal program as well as weekend meals delivered to families. Please visit https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/students-families/ksd-nutrition-on-the-weekends-now for more information. You may directly donate to this program, the donation link is: https://kirkwoodschooldistrictfoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1223452. If you prefer to donate through Grace for either of these options, please note the designation in the memo line of your check.
Additionally, Kirk Care provides gift cards for groceries to people in need as well as food from their food pantry and food deliveries. After the generosity of many in Kirkwood during Hands On Kirkwood, the pantry is full, the best way for immediate help is to contribute to grocery gift cards by consulting their webpage: https://kirkcare.org/monetary-donations. We will provide updates as pantry items are needed.
Questions: please contact Julie Grossman regarding Kirkwood school District and Sue Nixon for Kirk Care.
Grace’s Community Outreach program is guided by a transformational model of engagement. We believe that even as we give of our time, talent, and treasure to transform our community, we ourselves are transformed by answering God’s call to serve our neighbors.
In addition to our engagement with the following transformational ministries, Grace is committed to exploring new ways of using our resources to meet this moment with the radical love and compassion Christ calls us to.
In addition to our engagement with the following transformational ministries, Grace is committed to exploring new ways of using our resources to meet this moment with the radical love and compassion Christ calls us to.
Kirk Care
Kirk Care provides food assistance and emergency utility support to low-income families within the Kirkwood R-7 school district. Grace volunteers support Kirk Care by helping with food donation pickup and pantry stocking, in addition to client assessments and deliveries. Grace parishioners also participate in various special events such as the Christmas Food Giveaway and drive-thru food giveaways. Contact Sue Nixon for more information and other ways to get involved!
Trinity Food Ministries
The Trinity Food Ministry consists of a Food Pantry, Wednesday Café, and Sunday Hot Lunch programs, providing food, meals, and fellowship to St. Louisans in need. In addition to supporting the Food Pantry with regular food donations and financial support, Grace volunteers support the Hot Lunch program on the second Sunday of each month. Grace parishioners prepare 100 meals, bring them to Trinity Church in the Central West End, and typically serve 60 – 70 people at Sunday Hot Lunch. For more information and to volunteer, contact Sandi Adams.
The Trinity Food Ministry consists of a Food Pantry, Wednesday Café, and Sunday Hot Lunch programs, providing food, meals, and fellowship to St. Louisans in need. In addition to supporting the Food Pantry with regular food donations and financial support, Grace volunteers support the Hot Lunch program on the second Sunday of each month. Grace parishioners prepare 100 meals, bring them to Trinity Church in the Central West End, and typically serve 60 – 70 people at Sunday Hot Lunch. For more information and to volunteer, contact Sandi Adams.
Shepherd’s Center
Shepherd’s Center provides services and programs to help older adults maintain their independence and stay socially active. Grace is a sponsoring congregation of Shepherd’s Center, and our parishioners volunteer their time and talent by helping with grocery shopping and delivery; providing rides to medical appointments; assisting with simple home repairs and yard cleanup; and checking in on seniors living alone with periodic phone calls. To find out more and volunteer, contact Dick Entenmann.
Shepherd’s Center provides services and programs to help older adults maintain their independence and stay socially active. Grace is a sponsoring congregation of Shepherd’s Center, and our parishioners volunteer their time and talent by helping with grocery shopping and delivery; providing rides to medical appointments; assisting with simple home repairs and yard cleanup; and checking in on seniors living alone with periodic phone calls. To find out more and volunteer, contact Dick Entenmann.
Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association
Grace partners with the MNIA to help improve the quality of life in Historic Meacham Park, a southeastern neighborhood of Kirkwood. Grace volunteers participate in MNIA’s Back-to-School Backpacks program, Christmas Party Gift Exchange, Neighborhood Clean Ups, and other programs and events that build community and strengthen our ties with our neighbors. For more information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, contact John Adams.
Grace partners with the MNIA to help improve the quality of life in Historic Meacham Park, a southeastern neighborhood of Kirkwood. Grace volunteers participate in MNIA’s Back-to-School Backpacks program, Christmas Party Gift Exchange, Neighborhood Clean Ups, and other programs and events that build community and strengthen our ties with our neighbors. For more information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, contact John Adams.
JustFood Truck
A Jubilee Ministry of the Diocese of Missouri, the JustFood Truck brings free food and a ministry of presence to areas of high poverty throughout our diocese. Grace volunteers serve as cooks, servers, and greeters for the meals the truck offers on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of every month at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. Volunteers are also welcome who wish to provide a ministry of presence by simply listening and praying with those who desire a supportive presence. For more information and to get involved, contact John Adams.
A Jubilee Ministry of the Diocese of Missouri, the JustFood Truck brings free food and a ministry of presence to areas of high poverty throughout our diocese. Grace volunteers serve as cooks, servers, and greeters for the meals the truck offers on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of every month at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. Volunteers are also welcome who wish to provide a ministry of presence by simply listening and praying with those who desire a supportive presence. For more information and to get involved, contact John Adams.
