P.I.N.C.H!: A New Ministry of Community Presbyterian Church!
P.I.N.C.H! (Presbyterians in Neighborhoods Creating Hope!) is a ministry that works to provide EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION to elementary school students who rely on school breakfast and lunch for most of their food needs.
Each child would be referred to us via the school counselor. On Fridays at the end of school, each student will be given a bag containing six (6) food items to provide them with emergency supplemental nutrition until Monday comes. These food items will vary from week to week.
OUR TRIAL RUN WILL BE AT FIDDLERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STARTING ON NOVEMBER 8TH AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 20TH. After this initial run, both our church and the school will review the outcomes of the trial run and determine if the ministry is financially viable and making an impact on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a child referred to the program?
Each child will be referred to us by the counselor of the elementary school. If a child is found to be in need, they will be sent home with a permission slip to return to the school allowing them to participate.
Do you have plans to expand the program to more children/other schools?
Yes, we do anticipate one day being able to reach all the elementary schools in the area. However, we are currently testing the ministry at one school and will only be able to expand provided we have enough support in terms of finances/food items/volunteers.
What kind of food items will be given to children? Will there be a set menu every week?
The food items will vary from week to week, but will contain shelf stable, ready to eat foods that do not require an adult or a kitchen to prepare. The food items a child can expect to find most frequently would be:
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Granola Bars
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Fruit and Grain Bars
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Rice Krispies
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Shelf Stable Protein.
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Fruit/Vegetable Cups
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Pudding Cups.
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Fruit Snacks
Again, food items will vary based on what is donated. While it is the hope that we will be able to consistently give the children more nutrient dense and nourishing foods, we also understand that giving hungry children something is better than them having nothing at all.
Do I need to attend/be a member of Community Presbyterian Church to participate?
No. Participation is not affected by attendance/membership within our church.
Can P.I.N.C.H! accommodate dietary restrictions/allergies?
We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but cannot make a guarantee due to the rotating nature of our donated food items. We will not distribute any nuts to children.
How long will this trial period last?
This initial trial period will run for 7 weeks until Christmas Break begins for the school district.
How can I help?
Please feel free to donate food items to us at church, or donate money to us using our online giving tool (Just be sure to enter the amount in "General Fund" and then denote that it is to be given to PINCH)