Submitted by Rev. Lee Carlile
For more than three decades, First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach (FUMCRB) has been serving its neighbors through a food ministry known as Shared Bread. Begun as a community outreach program on November 11, 1992, the ministry has since provided more than 150,000 home-cooked meals to guests in need.
Rev. Lee Carlile and her husband Don were moved to join the ministry after the tragic loss of a young unhoused man. “Every week, we serve close to 100 guests, giving them a warm welcome, a glad smile, and a listening ear…along with a hot meal,” Rev. Carlile shares.
In addition to meals, Shared Bread offers clothing and toiletries, and even allows guests to have their mail delivered to the church. Once a month, local medical personnel also visit to provide support with healthcare needs.
At its heart, Shared Bread is all about community. The ministry partners with neighboring churches, local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and dedicated volunteers who prepare, serve, and clean up every Wednesday evening. Together, they create a space of welcome and dignity for all come through the doors.
As a fully volunteer-driven program, the ministry continues to embody its mission ‘to share hope with God’s people,’ as stated on their website.
If your church has a food ministry, we encourage you to:
- Post about your food ministry on social media and tag the conference on Facebook or Instagram, and tag Feeding America on Facebook or Instagram.
- Share your story with Cal-Pac Communications at cpco@calpacumc.org.
People across the country can get involved by:
- Donate to Feeding America, where your donations will be matched through the month of September.
- Sign the pledge to call on lawmakers to make ending hunger a priority.
- Volunteer at a local food bank.
- Start or join a feeding ministry at your church.
