First Church Of God Launches Food Initiative
The First Church of God has launched a food initiative that aims to “present a low cost, high quality supply of food,” as they “understand that times are hard for so many” and this is their “effort to try to alleviate some of that burden.”
Bishop Lambe told Bernews, “This project was actually introduced to us by one of our members having me contact with this particular association in the United States. We felt it would be appropriate to have it in Bermuda.
“Therefore, we have been blessed to have Brother Dwayne Smith, as well as Pastor Linda Powell to have been charged with responsibility of making this project come about in Bermuda, which of course has happened.
“At present, we are so delighted to see how many have responded to the project to the extent that we are able now to fulfill our ambition. Our ambition is very simple, it’s to be able to present a low cost, high quality supply of food in this country.”
“We understand that times are hard for so many, and this is our effort to try to alleviate some of that burden.
“To date, we have just been delighted to see the responses. Our first container came with 156 orders, and the second, 300 orders, and now we’re up to somewhere in the neighborhood of about 580, just under 600 orders. That means numbers of families are being assisted through this particular ministry,” Bishop Lambe added.
The sign up deadline to take part in this month’s program has been extended to January 16, with the distribution and pick up day at First Church God on North Shore set for January 30 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The Church said that the items in the boxes are set to change every month, and the January 2017 Menu is below [PDF here].
I thank Bishop Lambe and the FCOG family for this ministry. I have seen many people blessed through this initiative. There are many who have to choose between buying groceries or paying the rent or electricity bill monthly. I would encourage those who can to sponsor a needy family with a food box. Just seeing the smile on their faces as they receive the food box is more than enough for me. Pay it forward people!!
Now that’s a great and straightforward idea!
Why do the poor people have to be fed unhealthy food!
One product alone is Salty! Has over 35% of the daily max; Very high in saturated fat; more than 12% daily fiber; Highly Processed!
and microwave food – carcinogenic!
why dont u start your own ministry and bring in healthier foods at reasonable prices than people can choose which they prefer. good luck and thanx in advance
i couldn’t lie to my congregation week in and week out
you are speaking out of ignorance….so take several seats and be really careful how you speak of God’s chosen.
Wondering
Come out of your bubble and recognize that to many food is food. Yes some may not be the healthiest choices, but while you can afford organic, low salt and ‘healthy’ some cannot … everything in moderation, this food can go far to make far healthier meals than the stuff people who struggle would have to buy from the lousy supermarket offerings in Bermuda and while restricted by what they can actually afford. I am sure families will take it and mix it with lost of healthy options. So try not to preach – your point is taken. But see it from another side
1. There is a vast variety of name brand products and quality items to choose from.
2. Each month we will be catering to different meal preferences.
3. For the price you pay if there is one or two items that you dislike you still benefit.
Unhealthy food and the church shouldn’t charge the less fortunate for meals. Those pastors could cut back on all the vacations and fancy cars to give back.
Should not assume anything Truth Teller. Most of those boxes are being purchased by churches/church members to GIVE to families in need. (definition of give 1.*freely* transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to.)Feel free to buy one to give to someone less fortunate.
Then why are the prices listed which suggest they are for purchase? It should simply have a signup sheet for families in need. This is clearly FOR profit so save your condescending snarky remarks you illiterate simpleton.
no he won’t do that.
The church provides FREE lunches and breakfast EVERY DAY of the school year. Why don’t you give up your vacation or car and support those families
I do plenty to help but I am not a pastor and do not run a church. The church community is so vast on this island that NO ONE should go hungry. What does your bible say about helping the less fortunate? Do remind me. If they are going to get tax breaks then they need to pitch in.
and the church probably got charged no import duty – wild guess
the amount of money in that collection plate – the food should be free!!!!!!!!!!!
Why don’t you cut back on your vacations as well, and donate the money that would’ve been used.
Why don’t you pay attention and stop repeating the same s**t two other people already said? I haven’t been on a vacation in years and live a very simple life. You don’t see me in the church every Sunday preaching then driving a BMW and going on lavish vacations though do you? Hypocrisy is rampant in the church.
you are also speaking out of ignorance….be very careful of spreading untruths especially regarding people of God…trust me.
It’s a great initiative but as someone who is living with controlling diabetes and high blood pressure on an island where it is rampant, I would like to see the food choices evaluated by the health department and several dieticians. Processed food is just not the way to go IMO. The cost that is being incurred for the packaging and shipping could quite easily be transferred to buying healthy food options in bulk locally. Again, a good start but I fear that this method of appeasing the poor, the hungry and a generation that wants their food quick and easy is not going to pay off in the long run. Give a man a fish… You know the saying. JMO and always open to my opinion being corrected.
Point well taken, Shari-Lynn, but I don’t see why the FCOG has to be subjected to more oversight than the supermarkets and retaurants, and even individuals who bring in other food imports. The church is simply offering an option, which for some is the only ray of hope. Maybe someone else can do what you’ve said, because I think it’s a great idea to purchase healthy and local. For some though the daily choice is this or nothing.
Why do people keep saying that this is for the poor…not understanding this….this initiative is open to all who are tired of being gouged by the local grocery stores.
and as mentioned:
1. There is a vast variety of name brand products and quality items to choose from.
2. Each month we will be catering to different meal preferences.
3. For the price you pay if there is one or two items that you dislike you still benefit.
…And we are licensed wholesalers authorized via the health department….so there is a lot of misinformation swirling around this little island…as they say small island – small minds that love to spread mistruths….tired!
Like you said its a start. The menus are being evaluated.
How is this initiative appeasing the poor? From my perspective it is simply the Church assisting people in need, many of those who will benefit are not people who can’t fish or refuse to work they are simply having a difficult time finding work in an economy still suffering from the impact of a worldwide recession, add to this the impact of the continued importation of cheap labor to this island which depresses the wages of many who ARE working and one can understand why a lot of Bermudians could use this help…as for the quality of the food I am pretty sure most of the items can be found in our local grocery stores at three times the price, so I am certain the Health Dept has given them the ‘green light’…..You do raise an interesting point by saying you are sure the cost that is being incurred for the packaging and shipping could quite easily be transferred to buying healthy food options in bulk…I would suggest that perhaps you could investigate this and if true come up with a plan by which we could put this into place, maybe even First Church of God would be prepared to switch up…in the mean time lets just be thankful that God has impressed his people to do as He instructed…..
Well done Bishop, organizers and members. Ignore and the armchair critics who did the same to Jesus,Obama and now you, yet do nothing to help anyone. Shame on them. Be encouraged and God bless all of you.
Well done First Church of God, may God continue to bless you as you carry out H
is work….Matthew 25:35 “I was an hungered and ye gave me meat”