COP Calgary Impacting Its Community Through Its Food Bank Program
The Church of Pentecost Calgary District has started a food bank program where it gives food to the community. The program is open to anyone in the community regardless of race, religion, gender, etc.
The Food Bank program, headed by Elder Edward Appiah-Brafoh and a team of members, is an initiative of the evangelism wing of the Church to reach out to our community with the message of love, hope, peace, and joy in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:35 -40.
The Church saw the opportunity to partner with other organizations to impact its community by giving food and other items to individuals and families in need in order to reduce food insecurity among families, especially with the hardships brought about by covid-19. These partnering organizations include Second Harvest/Food Rescue, Leftovers, Safeway, LDS Bishop’s House, Airdrie Food Bank, Chestmere Food Bank, Okotoks Food Bank, amongst others. The transportation, pre-packaging and distribution of these items is made possible with the help of various volunteers from the Church. Grants from the Province of Alberta and City of Calgary have provided some financial assistance for the program. Extra food was purchased as needed. Space was renovated, commercial freezer, commercial refrigerator, and other supplies were purchased for the logistics of the program.
The Church of Pentecost Canada – Calgary District Food Bank program received a Food Handling Permit by Alberta Health Services in October 2020 and became a member of the Food Banks of Alberta in December 2020.
In March 2021, the provincial Member of Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Peigan riding, Honorable Tanya Fir, visited the Church to familiarize herself with the operations of the church and its food bank program.
Though the program is still in its infancy, it has impacted several families and individuals, numbering over 1,000 people. Through the program, the church has had more visitors for its in-person services as well as more likes and hits on its website and social media links. Two souls have joined the church directly from the food bank program.
TESTIMONIES ABOUT THE FOOD BANK PROGRAM
“I just want to thank your church/organization for exemplifying Christ last week. Your generosity/kindness has definitely been the talk of the city. I know your labor of love would not go unrewarded IJN. Amen. God bless you!” – Beneficiary A
“I wish to thank you for the hampers tonight. I delivered them to the two young families that are quarantined and shared the lettuce with them. They were so happy to receive them. Both young moms called me with tears of gratitude. Thank you again and bless you all for your hard work” –Beneficiary B
“Thank you! I was able to pick up the hamper today and greatly appreciate all you do. God bless you and all the young men enduring the cold today” – Beneficiary C