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Missions

Missions Blog [10.29.25]

Cornerstone Family Ministries, a Mission Partner of LMC, needs our help!

GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN – “SNAP GAP” FOOD DRIVE – PLEASE HELP AND SHARE

Cornerstone has 150 families who have children attending our Rosa Valdez Centers who are worried how their children will eat come November 1st.  They have been notified that their SNAP benefits will come to a halt if the government shutdown continues.  To help ease this burden on our families, we are asking our Cornerstone friends and family to consider shopping and packing grocery bags filled with non-perishable food to feed a family of 4 for a week.

With no place to do the sorting or storing we are asking those who can help, bring the items to us already packaged for a family of 4 and ready to distribute, so we can get food quickly to these families on Monday of next week when they pick up their children.  These bags will need to be delivered to one of our two Rosa Valdez childcare center locations between 7am and 1:30pm on Monday, November 3rd.  Of course, if the shutdown continues, this will be a weekly need each Monday, so we ask that you share this need with your church and circle of family and friends. We are trusting that God will prompt the right number of givers to bring the number of bags needed until SNAP benefits are restored!

Drop off your grocery bags at LMC on Sunday in the Sanctuary lobby or at the front office during the week.

 

Below are the non-perishable items and quantities we recommend you pack in each bag you bring (if you use plastic bags, please tie the bags together to represent one bundle for a family of 4):

 

Proteins (choose 14 of any combination)

  • Canned meat or fish: Tuna, chicken, and salmon.
  • Peanut butter: A highly prized item for sandwiches or snacks.
  • Canned or dried beans: Black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and refried beans.
  • Canned chili and stew: Easy, ready-to-eat meals.

 

Grains and Starchy Sides (choose 10 of any combination)

  • Pasta: Spaghetti, macaroni, or other types.
  • Rice: A large bag of white or brown rice.
  • Cereal: Both hot (like instant oatmeal) and cold varieties (low sugar).
  • Tortillas or crackers: Shelf-stable options for sandwiches and snacks.
  • Macaroni and cheese, Grits or Potato side dish: Boxed kits.
  • Loaf of Bread

 

Fruits and Vegetables (choose 24 of any combination)

  • Canned vegetables: green beans, corn, peas, and mixed vegetables.
  • Canned fruit or Applesauce (in natural juice no added sugar)
  • Canned tomatoes: For sauces and other recipes (other pasta sauces are GREAT too)

Snacks and comfort foods – These items can provide for a little extra joy (purchase as you wish)

  • Jelly
  • Granola bars or protein bars: Good for quick breakfasts or snacks.
  • Snack crackers with cheese.
  • Pudding or Jell-O cups.
  • Dessert mix: Like a brownie or cake mix.

 

Items will be distributed to families on a first registered, first served basis.  Families have also been given information about local food banks and churches with food pantries, but our partners tell us that these resources are already overwhelmed.  YOUR CARE PACKAGE WILL GO DIRECTLY TO A FAMILY SO FEEL FREE TO WRITE A NOTE AND SEND A MESSAGE OF HOPE IN YOUR GROCERY BAG!  PLEASE SHARE THIS NEED WITH THOSE YOU KNOW.

Please contact Bob Blagg at bob.blagg@lmctampa.org  if you have any questions.

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