| Feeding the Hungry in Redondo Beach for Over 15 Years |
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Sharing hope with God’s people in need of food and friendship Join us for dinner every Wednesday from 6-7pm
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Contact Shared Bread History of Shared Bread What Shared Bread Provides Funding for Shared Bread Ways to Help Shared Bread Location |
Shared Bread began on Leap Day, February 29, 1992 at a planning retreat held to come up with ideas to restore the sense of mission in our church. We found that many of our members felt an overwhelming desire to address some of the pressing needs that exist in our community, in particular, hunger and homelessness. As a result, we began sponsoring a dinner each month at our sister church in northern Redondo Beach, St. Paul’s United Methodist.
Our volunteers soon realized that the needs of the hungry and homeless in our community are so great that we needed to do more. Tuesday and Thursday dinners were being provided by two local churches. We decided that we would serve a hot meal to the hungry in our community people every Wednesday here at our church—making a leap of faith that support for this program would come forth. On November 11, 1992 we served our first meal.
Shared Bread has since served over 75,000 meals and receives help from its neighboring churches, as well as from local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and neighbors. It has truly become a neighborhood project.
· A warm home-cooked meal every Wednesday from 6 to 7pm.
· Warm clothing and other comforts as available.
· Hygiene item distribution as available.
· Professional counseling for employment and de-tox referrals on an ongoing basis.
· Food pantry for distribution on request
Shared Bread provides a foundation for change in our community. Although started at a church, religion is not an issue concerning this project. We focus on the needs of the people we serve without regard to religion, color, sexuality, or health. We are here to serve.
We hope only to live our faith by turning our words into actions. We give special attention to remembering the people we serve, promoting “one on one relationships.” Pastoral support and counseling is available to anyone expressing interest.
We believe we are all God’s people in need of dignity, love, and nurturing. Our guide is Jesus, who said, “for I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
Shared Bread is a non-profit community project (not a sectarian or faith-based program). It relies solely on the donations of volunteers, local community members and community institutions that share a common goal to ease the burden on people without food or homes.
Shared Bread welcomes the support of local churches, businesses and community members. Sponsorship of Shared Bread can be accomplished in a variety of ways from volunteering to help with the meal to donations of funds and items necessary for the program. All donations to Shared Bread are surely welcomed. Together we are creating a caring atmosphere, establishing trusting friendships, and providing the ability for empowerment and life-changing decisions to take seed.
· Volunteer at Shared Bread: Help is needed on Wednesdays starting with food prep at 1:30 pm, dinner service 5:40 to 7:00 pm, and clean-up 6:15 to 7:30 pm. Student and other service organizations wishing to volunteer as a group must request an assignment at bread@fumcrb.org .
· Funding: tax-deductible contributions are welcome.
· Blankets, jackets and warm sweaters
· Hygiene items: deodorant, soap, toothbrushes & paste, shaving supplies, shampoo, lotion, washcloths
· Food for entree: meat; poultry; tuna, pasta and sauce; rice; chili; chicken, beef, and mushroom soup
· #10 cans of vegetables
· Canned fruit
· Salad dressing and mayonnaise
· Powdered lemonade mix
· Sugar and dry creamer
· Desserts & pastries
· Margarine or butter
· Paper plates, napkins, 6 oz. hot cups, paper place mats
· Paper towels & dish soap
· Individualized packaged servings of pop-top meats, fruit, pudding, juice, granola bars, etc.