Prayer for our neighbors: Gracious God, please cause our eyes to be open so we can see those around us who are hungry. Touch our hearts and make us willing to feed them. Help us to care for our neighbors who are in need. Amen.

The GraceWorks John Gatlin Food Pantry provided more than $482,000 of emergency food and needed nutrition to the hungry families in 2011.

Food is provided through private and community donations, and includes personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and and paper goods that are not available through food stamps. Baby food, formula and diapers are also available by request.

GraceWorks has also adapted a Second Harvest Food Bank program into the Fuel Bag Program for children in the free/reduced lunch program. Fuel Bags are small bags filled with nutritious and easily prepared food items. Each Friday teachers discreetly pack the Fuel Bags in the children’s backpacks before they leave for the weekend, helping to supplement their food at home.

Donations may be dropped off at GraceWorks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Needed items for fuel bags (all single serve sizes):
Cereal
Pudding cups
8 oz shelf stable boxed milk
Tuna or Chicken Salad with Crackers
Juice boxes

Current general food pantry needs:
Laundry detergent
Liquid dish detergent
Personal Hygiene items: Deodorant, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Soap or Body Wash