Beach Baptist opens “Choice Market”
To the editor:
Recently, we, at Beach Baptist Church, have opened our “Choice Market” for the purpose of helping feed the needy people in our community.
We have seen an increasing number of people who are unemployed or underemployed. The unemployed have lost their homes, or are at risk of losing their homes; a few are homeless. The underemployed may keep their homes, but struggle with other obligations. Both groups are having difficulty getting enough money to provide good quality food for their families.
You are likely aware of the Harry Chapin organization which is currently planning a food drive for those who need food. This is not a criticism, but groups like ours must go and purchase the food from Harry Chapin. We raise our support from businesses such as yours, and from private donations, in order to purchase the foods we provide to the people in need from our community. We do not charge customers for any items; we are a non-profit organization. We are currently serving approximately 150 people per week.
We are different from a regular food bank. One of our advisors attends the customer through our store area offering assistance and presenting choices of food with food groups. This is the basis for our name: “Choice Market.” The customers choose their items. We can better control the types and quantities of foods on display. Food banks typically pre-select and pre-bag for the customer.
Your modest help is needed either on a regular basis or periodic basis to enable us to continue providing food for needy people. Some examples of help ate listed below:
– Cash ongoing, periodic, annual
– Food drive with publicity
– “Piggy Bank” at the register
– Round up (donation added to bill)
– Percentage of receipts for a day or weekend
– Encourage support from employees (food drive like cans and boxes, non-perishables)
– Or, specific suggestions that have worked for you in the past
As a church, and as individuals, we are committed to this project. Beach Baptist Church has a small core of members, with an influx of seasonal members, who have a heart for meeting the needs of people in the community.
Will you join with us to help those who need food? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
John Anderson
Fort Myers