Food ministry
You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That is how prayer works. -- Pope Francis
The food ministry at St. Stephen’s is inspired by the Eucharist, the central act of worship in the Christian faith.
Through the Eucharist, Christians believe that they are fed by God so that they can feed others. The Food Ministry at St. Stephen’s is designed to transform this belief into practice by offering programs that help people lead healthier lives that make them better stewards of God’s creation.
The food ministry at St. Stephen's is changing lives and building community in the Richmond area. Our Food ministry has a number of different facets described below.
The Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s
At the market, we seek to connect our choices about the foods we buy and eat to our call to be stewards of God’s creation, as we build community and support local farmers. The market is open every Saturday, year-round. From late fall through early spring, it is open from 9 a.m. until Noon. From late spring through early fall, it's open from 8 a.m. until Noon.
Sunday Community Suppers
Suppers provide fellowship and delicious, locally-sourced food. These meals are prepared for the whole community--all are welcome and no reservations are required. These suppers depend on kitchen volunteers and monetary donations. However, we ask you to make a donation as you are able--if you cannot, you are still most welcome at these suppers which are held at about 6:30 p.m. after the Celtic service (5:30 p.m.) and before Compline (8 p.m.) (These suppers have not been taking place during the pandemic.)
St. Stephen’s grocery store for those in need
We provide nourishing foods to those in the community who cannot afford them using a "grocery store" or client-choice model. Parishioners bring food items to church each Sunday that are subsequently organized and assembled for stocking in our pantry. In addition to shelf-stable foods, our this ministry receives fresh produce, eggs and other food from generous farmers market vendors. Clients can select foods that are most suitable for their households, restoring a measure of dignity while reducing food waste.
Our grocery store is open Mondays from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., year-round. Hunger does not take a vacation. When children from low-income households are at home during school vacations and holidays, they are removed from a key source of nutritious food. It's so important that we maintain our ability to respond to the need for groceries year-round, even as many of our donors are out of town on summer vacations. (When the parish office is closed for a holiday, the food pantry distribution usually takes place the next day, Tuesday. When this is the case, regular visitors are informed the week before.)
The Fruit Ministry
The original food ministry at St. Stephen's is an outreach project run by volunteers who collect, organize, and distribute fruit to over 200 people in several federally subsidized housing communities in Richmond. Parishioners bring fruit to church every Sunday in support of this ministry.
Contact
Anna Jones, Farmers Market Manager and Assistant Director of Outreach