Due to economic short falls, Olycap, who has been providing Senior meals at the Tri Area Community Center for years, has cut back their meals from five days to three. Homelessness and hunger are growing in our community. We are seeking to fill the gap, at least on Tuesday evenings. Our goal is to feed anyone who is hungry, not just one particular group. There won’t be questions to answer or paperwork to fill out. People can come in and have a simple, nutritious meal of soup and bread, and perhaps enjoy a conversation with friendly people (us!).
Several people have asked to help, and we need you all! Surprisingly, this has been on the minds of many of us, so it’s great that we are uniting to help this effort along. This is all new territory for me, and I welcome all help! It’s an effort of faith, as there is a zero budget, and I for one, have zero experience in putting something like this together. It feels like we are learning on our feet!
At this point we have submitted our permit application to the Jefferson County Health Department. They are questioning whether our septic system is adequate for the project we are taking on. We are working on this, and hope to find a solution soon, at little or no expense. The absence of a three compartment sink in the dishwashing area is also of concern, but they seem willing to work with us on this.
What can you do to help?
· PRAY: Specifically that the issues with the county permit process will be worked out quickly and we can get started. Pray for those who are planning to serve, and for the people we will serve. Pray for the finances.
· Pick up bowls from garage sales, thrift stores, etc. They don’t need to match.
· Donate financially if you can: We need $221.00 just to finish the permit process, not including what it might cost to work out the septic issue. We also need to purchase ingredients and a few other items.
· Get your Food Handler Permit: this will be required of anyone who wants to work in the kitchen preparing and serving food. See below for details on how to do this.
· Show up! We’ll need people to cook, serve and clean up. We’ll be using our dishwasher, and there will be some instruction on how to use it properly.
· Be willing to post flyers around the community, or even go door to door to get the word out.
There was a meeting on August 27 that was well attended, and since then, several more people have expressed interest in participating. There’s a sign-up sheet in the foyer for anyone who’s interested. Please sign up and don’t forget your phone number and email so we can contact you as we get closer.
What we’re thinking so far:
· Operating from 4:00 to 7:00 on Tuesdays
· Praying together as we begin preparation each week, for the blessing on the food, the workers and those we’ll be serving
· 2 shifts of workers: 1 to cook and serve early comers; 1 to serve later comers and do the cleanup, leaving the facility ready for use by OPHC the next day.
· Having a “house soup” and then another that changes weekly
· Tubs on the wheeled carts for people to bus their own dishes
· Sitting with our guests and getting to know them-being a friendly face
· Setting out a donation jar, but not considering donations to be required
Please be praying about this effort to reach out to our community, and consider taking part. We welcome your help! -Kim Wilcox
| Food Worker Classes, Testing and Cards Now Available Online. Jefferson County Public Health has recently implemented an online option for food workers classes, tests & food worker permit cards. In the past, taking the class required a trip to one of the many locations that the class is offered. With the new option, food workers can take the class & test online, & if they pass the test, they can pay the $10.00 fee electronically by debit or credit card & print out their food worker card. The class is titled “Do it Right, Serve it Safe”. The web address is : You can also get a copy of the booklet in the church office. |
Jefferson County Public Health has recently implemented an online option for food workers classes, tests & food worker permit cards. In the past, taking the class required a trip to one of the many locations that the class is offered. With the new option, food workers can take the class & test online, & if they pass the test, they can pay the $10.00 fee electronically by debit or credit card & print out their food worker card. The class is titled “Do it Right, Serve it Safe”.
The web address is :
You can also get a copy of the booklet in the church office.
| Food Worker Classes, Testing and Cards Now Available Online. Jefferson County Public Health has recently implemented an online option for food workers classes, tests & food worker permit cards. In the past, taking the class required a trip to one of the many locations that the class is offered. With the new option, food workers can take the class & test online, & if they pass the test, they can pay the $10.00 fee electronically by debit or credit card & print out their food worker card. The class is titled “Do it Right, Serve it Safe”. The web address is : You can also get a copy of the booklet in the church office. |
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