Riva Sharples | Editor
It’s been almost a year now since the Share and Care program has been distributing food boxes in the parking lot of Beresford Zion United Methodist Church each month. Now, volunteers are gearing up to expand the program, bringing more free food and opportunities to area residents.
“Beginning in January, food distribution will be relocated inside to the west end of Beresford Zion, allowing us to expand our partnership with Feeding South Dakota by offering a twice-monthly distribution through The Emergency Food Assistance Program and resume the Senior Box Program, offered by the South Dakota Department of Education and USDA,” says Beresford Zion Pastor John Schomberg.
The Senior Box program, which provides eligible seniors with a monthly box of non-perishable food, has been missed in the community since it ended about a year ago. The program provides eligible seniors with essential nutrients and helps seniors save money to spend on other needed items.
As Share and Care expands, the public’s help is needed.
“As we transition into the new space and expand our service, we are reaching out to those interested in partnering with this ministry through financial and physical gifts, as well as those interested in serving,” said Schomberg.
The Share and Care program, a ministry of Beresford Zion, was started 11 months ago in the wake of the closure of the long-time weekly food distribution program that was housed at Set Free for more than a decade. Many of the dedicated volunteers who worked at Set Free have been instrumental in helping run Share and Care, whose goal is to make sure those living locally have enough to eat.
“We are a proud regional partner of Feeding South Dakota serving people of Alcester, Beresford, and Hudson, as well as the communities of Centerville, Wakonda, Irene, Viborg, Canton, Vermillion, and all South Dakota residents facing food insecurity,” said Schomberg. “For the past eleven months, we have been serving the Feeding South Dakota Foodbox Distribution from the Beresford Zion parking lot. Our final parking lot distribution will be on Monday, December 22, starting at 10:00 am.”
Beginning in January, Share and Care will reside inside Beresford Zion, allowing for an expanded and bi-monthly food distribution program. The church is currently in need of items to help with this ministry, including upright freezers and refrigerators, metal or commercial-grade shelving, and carts.
Monetary donations can be sent to Beresford Zion Share and Care or BZUMC Share and Care at Beresford Zion UMC, 47106 298th St., Beresford, SD 57004.
If you are interested in donating physical gifts, volunteering, or have any questions, please contact Pastor John at bzionumc@gmail.com.
“Share and Care’s mission is to end hunger in Beresford and surrounding communities, and 100% of donations support this mission,” said Schomberg.