Northern California Conference
Bread of Life Offers
Food and Friendship During Crisis By Diane Butler
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ince 2012, the Bread of Life food bank has served 60-100 people each Wednesday. A ministry of the Palo Cedro church, located in the community center on the Redding Adventist Academy campus, Bread of Life became more than just a source of food. It turned into a place of fellowship and comfort for its customers, many of whom welcomed the opportunity for prayer and relationships. distribution. “Because of Bread of Life, we can have the essentials like milk, bread, eggs, and cereal that I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family otherwise,” she said. “The volunteers are always so friendly and full of compassion. When I need prayer, they pray with me. It fills my life with hope, strength, love, and joy.” People like Murdick and her seven-year-old son, James, are the reason Bread of Life continues to operate. “Even if we had decided not to stay open, our customers could have gone to other food sources in the area,” said McCloud. “But there is a connection between them and us that makes them want to be here. That is the hard part. We miss each other and hugging one another. Our customers are our friends. We were determined to continue serving them during this time.” Another customer, Carrie Atkinson, acknowledges NORTHERN LIGHTS O F F I C I A L N C C N E W S L E T T E R how the food SIGN UP AT NCCSDA.COM bank impacts lives. “The Bread of Life team has remained available to provide stability R E A D , C O N N E C T, A N D E N G A G E and provision
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PHOTOS: GINNY YOST
Then the coronavirus came along and changed the way people went about life. Bread of Life modified its operations to comply with new state and county guidelines. Instead of bringing customers into the food bank to choose items, volunteers now hand out bags of food at the entrance. They have discontinued the weekly devotional message, long conversations, and hugs. “It is a big change from our usual operation,” said Janet McCloud, coordinator for Bread of Life. “We drop a tract or Scripture verse into the bag each week and try to visit a bit when they pick up their groceries, but we’re aware that people are having to stand in a long line. Before, we had more time to visit and connect with people.” Longtime customer Carrie Murdick is grateful for the continuation of food
(Above) Customer Ella Huffman made a sign to thank Bread of Life volunteers. (Top left) Bread of Life Coordinator Janet McCloud serves customers during the public health emergency. to those of us in need,” she said. “My family and I wouldn’t have made it without the resources they provide.” Word of the food bank is spreading. “We are still having four or five new people each week,” said McCloud, who is currently doing an online Bible study with a customer. “The important thing is that we share the love of Jesus and open the door for them to come into the fold.” Bread of Life volunteers continue to touch lives as they can. “It’s a challenge to reach people with social distancing in place, but we still pray with them as we are able and give them air hugs,” said McCloud. Read an extended version of this article at: nccsda.com/bread-of-life.
