In the heart of our community, Saint Luke has been a beacon of hope for over a decade, tirelessly serving the needs of our neighbors in collaboration with the Great Valley Food Cupboard. We're excited to celebrate this remarkable partnership, which has grown stronger and more meaningful year after year.
Carol Claypoole, the dedicated coordinator of the Great Valley Food Cupboard, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are serving over 200 families, many of whom are refugees from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. We began the cupboard in 2012, and Saint Luke has been assisting us all that time. We are so grateful for your support."
Every Tuesday, the Great Valley Food Cupboard distributes bags of essential food items to those in need. These bags contain a variety of items, including cereal, juice, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, soup, tuna, granola bars, and cookies. Carol emphasized, "We always need these items to ensure that we can continue to support our community effectively. Additionally, we greatly appreciate snacks for kids, as they can be particularly reassuring for families in challenging times. We also provide cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal care items to help our neighbors maintain their dignity and well-being."
The commitment of Saint Luke Church extends beyond providing for human needs; they also assist with pet food needs. Carol emphasized that they always need cat and dog food to ensure that our furry friends are not forgotten during tough times.
The Great Valley Food Cupboard is open every Tuesday from 11 AM to 2 PM, ensuring accessibility to working families, and on the second Wednesday evening of each month from 6 PM to 8 PM. This extended schedule reflects the dedication of Saint Luke Church and the Great Valley Food Cupboard to be a consistent and reliable source of support for those in need.
Over the years, involvement has looked differently. Joanne Sonn, a social ministry coordinator at Saint Luke shared, “During Covid it was more important that we give them cash and gift cards to local restaurants for take out. Then as we got “back to normal” we started collecting canned goods and food again with food drives.” She went on to share that through regular conversation with Carol, they could identify needs and step in to help. Joann went on to explain, “This past summer we focused on kids being home from school and losing their free lunches and we provided food to parents specifically for their kids. Members of the congregation generously packed up breakfasts and lunches for 4 families GVFC!.”
This remarkable partnership between Saint Luke Church and the Great Valley Food Cupboard is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collaboration. As we celebrate a decade of service, let us recommit to supporting our neighbors in their times of need, recognizing that together, we can reach our dream of there being no hunger in our neighborhood.