Monroe ministry seeks donations for summer food program
When Libbie Hall learned that some Monroe children only get food at school, she knew she had to do something.
“Libbie had an interview (at Monroe Public Schools). She was made aware that some elementary school students are at or below the poverty line and were struggling with access to food,” Tilly Grace, board secretary of the Called to More ministry, said. “It just left a very heavy impression (on her). The Scripture from James said (in summary): “What good is it if you see your brother of sister in need and say, ‘Have a good day,’ and don’t do anything about it?’”
Hall chose to do something about it. As the founder of the 4-year-old local organization Called to More, Hall added a new program to the ministry: The Table.
Since February, The Table has provided weekend breakfasts, lunches and snacks to school-selected students and their families. The volunteers haven’t missed a week.
“We have sent a backpack of food home every Friday since we began. It’s food for the weekend for the whole family. We have nine families, 48 people,” Grace said.
Each week, a new collection of food and money begins. About $250 is needed each time.
“I really feel like God has provided,” Grace said. “From week to week, we get donations. We have enough money each week. We just believe God is going to show up next week.”
Now, with summer break approaching, the ministry wants to continue the program, but needs donations of food and money.
“We want to provide food for the summer and feed those families a week’s worth of groceries every week for the summer. We are trusting God here that He’s going to show up,” Grace said.
A summer food drive is planned for 9 to 3 p.m. June 3 and 4 at Monroe City Church at the Mall of Monroe, 2121 N. Monroe St.
Because of some of the families’ circumstances and home conditions, only certain foods can be accepted.
“We have to provide non-perishable foods and items that you can just add water to. Macaroni and cheese, we can just have shells and cheese, (not the boxes that require) milk and butter,” Grace said.
Other needed items include spaghetti and macaroni noodles, Hamburger Helper, boxes of Spanish rice, animal crackers, large jars of peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit, and large containers of pancake mix, quick oats and applesauce.
For a complete list of needed food, visit tinyurl.com/d99wj3u8. Money also is accepted through Called to More’s PayPal site. To access the site, visit tinyurl.com/3ufnr9ud.
“We shop at Aldi. We did research, and it’s the cheapest place, even compared to Sam’s Club,” Grace said.
Called to More uses space at Monroe City Church, but is not affiliated with the church. Currently, the ministry involves five volunteers, two pastors and four overseers.
Since it began in 2019, Called to More has helped several area women and children, including a mom who escaped an abusive relationship, a mom of a teen with cancer and several single moms. The ministry also holds conferences. An event is held every other month; half are in Monroe, and the rest are in the Downriver area.
“They are Friday evenings at 7 p.m.,” Grace said. “There is worship, teaching from Libbie, fellowship, community after teaching and an offering.”
Hall has been in ministry for more than 20 years and also is a mom, grandmother, author, blogger and speaker.
To learn more, visit calledtomore.net and "Called to More" on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe ministry seeks donations for summer food program
