​Food insecurity is a harsh reality in our area. Especially in communities such as Steger, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, and Ford Heights where transportation to food pantries is a challenge. Will you join us in helping meet this need?

We have developed a new ministry, Family Food Share, to deliver food to families in the Bloom Trail High School district. 

Each food share contains fresh fruits and vegetables plus staples such as bread, pasta, rice, and peanut butter (we’ll contact the families in advance concerning any food restrictions). For a family of four, two volunteers buy food, supplemented by food we stock through bulk purchases at Costco. Volunteers are given two very specific lists of approximately $20 worth of food each. Buy where you want, but you must stick to the list. Volunteers bring their purchased food to the church on the designated Saturday morning. Then the food shares are packed in specially made large tote bags and delivered to the families.

How can you help? Here are the opportunities to help feed families:

Pray. Everyone is already signed up for this.

Purchase food from a list. Then bring the food to church at 10 a.m. on the designated Saturday. 

Donate money. This funds our bulk Costco purchases. Donations can be made by check or through the GIVE NOW button at the top of this page, designated for Family Food Share.

Pack food. We will assemble the tote bags for each family at 10 a.m. on the designated Saturday at church.

Deliver food to families. This will be at a set time on Saturday.

Rapid Responders.  These are folks who help us meet immediate needs that become known to the Parish.  It may be monetary donations to help pay for shelter, kitchen supplies, furniture, or any other need a family experiencing unexpected homelessness may have.  A recent example of this aspect of the ministry was to assist a family whose home was destroyed by fire.  Rapid responders help by delivering to the family in need.

Let us know which opportunity would be right for you by contacting  the Family Food Share coordinating committee  at familyfoodshare@mysje.org. We’re happy to field any questions you have!