HELP US HELP

by Amy Sharp

Since its founding in 1990, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) has been serving the basic human needs of families in our community in a temporary financial crisis.

Development Director Stacey Williams says, “We see at least five new families a week, and it’s often not who you would expect. So many of our neighbors are affected by job loss, a change in family dynamics, and other unexpected situations that leave them in need of assistance.” In 2022, EFBHNM assisted 15,838 adults and 12,766 children experiencing food insecurity.

“Our ministry is unique,” continues Stacey. “In addition to the generous donations of individuals, churches and other groups, EFBHNM receives regular donations of meat, produce, bakery items, and milk from local grocery stores and gardens, including our own. Our food orders have two to four

14th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls

Friday, June 9, 2023

6:30pm - 10pm Safari Texas days’ worth of groceries for three meals based on a household’s size. Families with children (ages 2-18) also received a ‘kid sack’ containing additional lunch and snack items for the weekends and after school.”

Tickets are $50 and include appetizers, delicious soups, and bread. Hand-painted bowls and pottery will be available for purchase, including some donated by local artist, Albert Goldreich. Silent, live, and dessert auctions, a bid board, and a wine and whiskey pull are all part of this fun evening out!

This year, EFBHNM food orders were up 17% and distribution of kid sacks increased 46% over the previous year. Fiftynine percent of the food distributed by EFBHNM is donated. The remaining 41% is purchased by funds raised through annual fundraisers and grants. Stacey says, “Inflation affects everyone. Grocery bills have gone up, including ours! We welcome any food donations to help offset this cost.”

For more information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.humanneeds.org or contact Stacey Williams: Stacey@humanneeds.org.

In addition to the food pantry, the EFBHNM Financial Assistance Program provides shortterm help with mortgage or rent and utilities. Programs like these are made possible by not only fundraisers, but the Tri-City Churches Resale Shop, located next door. One hundred percent of Tri-City Churches Resale Shop proceeds go directly to support the EFBHNM programs. This year also marks the sixth year for the annual Outrun Hunger 5K Fun Run on October 7th. In an effort to add fundraising initiatives, EFBHNM’s first annual chili cookoff was held in February.

Empty Bowls, EFBHNM’s largest fundraiser of the year, is coming up on June 9th. “Danny Ray & The Atlantic Street Band is returning for another fun evening out,” says Stacey. “Please join us to really see what EFBHNM is all about!”

281-261-1006

435 Stafford Run, Stafford, Texas 77477 www.humanneeds.org