By Abdul Karim Koroma in New Jersey
Grace Christian Fellowship (GCF Global), through its Food Pantry project, for over six years has been feeding low incoming families in communities in New Jersey. The project has brought food on the table and joy to over 60,000 people from all walks of life and races.
I caught up with Cheryl Burgess, Head of the Food Pantry project, after coordinating a hectic but very successful distribution of over 250 Turkey Day event at 40 Maison Avenue, Old Bridge she said that the objective of the scheme is to provide food to the people regardless of the communities they are coming from.
She said they are thankful for the generous donations they are receiving from Replenish East Brunswick Food Bank, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, BJ’s, ACME, Shoprite Supermarket, Wegmans Supermarket and the State of New Jersey, among others, which has made it possible in order to provide food supply to the communities on a weekly basis. The pantry opens every Saturday from 9am until 1:30pm.
Sister Cheryl Burgess who was speaking in a passionate mode disclosed that the main thrust of the project, which commenced in 2019 is to provide livelihood and support to the communities; pointing out that as a faith-based Church they also do outreach. Presently they are working on a project geared towards helping senior citizens have their compound ploughing for the winter season.
“I feel very good that we are helping people, as people are coming with passionate and very touching stories about how that project has helped them,” she said, adding that “their stories are motivating us to strive and help them more”.
The Food Pantry project is providing a cocktail of food items ranging from dry food, frozen food, can food, pre-cooked food, vegetables and meat
The Head of the Food Pantry project explained that she is not only happy that the ministry and partners are providing a variety of food stuffs to the communities but also the food is reaching the targeted beneficiaries.
In a brief chat with Bishop Emmanuel Kuyateh Sr, Head of Grace Christian Fellowship (GCF Global), he said that the Church is not always about the gospel, reaching out to those with mental health, spiritual guidance and that the Food Pantry project is also the bread of life. He is also working on donations for clothing and household goods.
