GPC has teamed up with Gates Chili School District! We know that children in the district who qualify for free breakfast and lunch programs during the week have limited food and resources during the weekend. So, GPC is working in conjunction with the school district, to send home easy to “carry and prepare” food items to keep these children well-fed on the weekend.
In November of 2022, GPC piloted the Weekend Food Ministry Program at Neil Armstrong Elementary School. By the end of the school year, we had provided over 600 weekend food bags. In 2023, we applied for and were awarded the Collaborative Ministry Grant. In addition to Neil Armstrong School, we were able to increase our reach to another elementary school in the district, Walt Disney School. Our neighbors at The Church of the Epiphany helped supply WFM bags to both Walt Disney and Neil Armstrong Elementary Schools for two weeks in March of 2024, as a Lenten Service Project for their Sunday School children. It is possible that they will opt to participate periodically in the future or fulfill the need at another of the Gates Chili Elementary Schools.
Part of our goal was to expand the Weekend Food Ministry by sharing information and support that would result in the creation of new church and school partnerships. We are excited that this is happening between Ogden Presbyterian and Munn Elementary School. We are grateful to have grant funds available to share with Ogden Presbyterian as they prepare to pilot the WFM at their church.
The Weekend Food Ministry continues to grow and succeed thanks to everyone who has donated food or funds, shopped, filled bags, mentioned the WFM to friends and neighbors, and prayed for the children who are served.
Donations of appropriate items can be dropped off in the marked blue bin which is in the church narthex. Please, no large boxes, cans, or glass bottles. Suggestions include:
| Individual boxes of cereal | Chicken – packets (not cans) |
| Instant oatmeal | Veggie cups |
| Individual fruit cups | Chili – individual cups |
| Juice boxes | Cookies |
| “Easy Mac” macaroni & cheese | Muffins |
| Ramen noodles | Chips, popcorn, snacks |
| Single-serving peanut butter | Crackers for PB&J |
| Single-serving jelly | Granola, protein & cereal bars |
| Tuna – packets (not cans) |
If you can’t shop but would like to help, you can make a financial contribution by writing a check to Gates Presbyterian Church and including a memo that it is for the Weekend Food Ministry.