Sentinel staff report–
Amid supply chain shortages and anticipation of an overwhelming number of struggling families seeking Thanksgiving food supplies this year, a food ministry based in Citrus Heights is seeking donations of food before November 18.
April Jacek, who serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, told The Sentinel in an email update Friday she was notified last week that supply chain issues have made it so canned fruit, stuffing and gravy won’t make it in time.
Community donations are being accepted Monday-Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the ministry’s headquarters at Advent Lutheran Church, located at 5901 San Juan Ave. A drive-thru Thanksgiving food distribution for families needing food supplies will take place in the church parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 18-19. No registration or tickets are needed.
Jacek said donations of stuffing, gravy (can, jar or packet), mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, chopped or whole pecans, canned fruit, canned veggies, condensed soup, canned yams, and other items are being sought for Thanksgiving meal supplies.
The organization’s Thanksgiving meal giveaway last year was emptied of all supplies after about four hours, as a steady stream of cars lined up to bring home a holiday meal. The ministry reported a 30-40% increase in families seeking help last year, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sunrise Christian Food Ministry was founded in 1983 as an ecumenical effort supported by several dozen churches, organizations and individuals. According to the organization’s website, the ministry’s mission is “to provide five days of nutritionally balanced food supplies to each person every 30 days when an emergency occurs.”
Additional information can be found at sunrisechristianfoodministry.org, where online donations can also be made.
