In an effort to provide food to those facing difficulty during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it be due to financial, transportation or health reasons, seven local churches have joined together to provide 1,000 families with 40 pound boxes filled with perishable and non-perishable food items.

Congregations from Bradford Mennonite Church, Open Arms Church, Grace Lutheran, West Branch United Methodist, Sawyer Evangelical, First United Methodist — Tower Church, Hill Memorial United Methodist and Bradford Alliance Church all participated in the food drive.

The project began after Tony High from Bradford Mennonite Church sent Open Arms co-pastor, Dan Williams, a message about a possible food source for the drive.

“I’m connected with Project Serve, so I sent out a message to several pastors and asked them if they wanted in on it and every single one of them said yes,” noted Williams. “We did it geographically to better serve the entire community.”

Williams explained they initially ordered only non-perishable items, though ended up receiving both perishable and non-perishable goods, including items such as a half of a sliced ham, cheese, veggies, microwave meals, chips, milk, and so on. Due to the fact there are non-perishable goods included in the boxes, they intend on getting them to families as soon as possible.

“Carolyn Newhouse was talking to Pitt-Bradford about storing perishables in their fridge,” Williams explained. “Worst case scenario, we can take out what we can’t use and donate it to the Friendship Table.”

Those interested in getting a box can call one of the aforementioned churches.

“We’re trying to give one box per family for now,” Williams said. “When people call, we tell them their name will be on a box and when it will be ready to pick up. We also have people volunteering to do deliveries.”

Out of the 1,000 boxes of food, 25 will be used to replenish the various blessing boxes around the community.

He explained the project as a team effort, with multiple churches working together to help out the community. Members from Bradford Mennonite Church will deliver some door-to-door for those who may not have transportation or who are unable to lift a 40-pound box. Those interested in volunteering to deliver boxes can reach out to one of the participating churches. Men from the Serenity House in Bradford have also volunteered to help unload the truck when it arrives.