Fresh Food for All (FFFA) is one of the more expansive programs that we have created here at HCCM. For those that are not familiar with this approach to distributing food, we have 9 different sites that we visit monthly. Our trucks are loaded with 10 to 20 different food items, the majority of which are fresh produce. Then we drive to our locations, where our volunteers are ready to help set up and hand out food. Each group is specific to the location and was gathered by our site leader. Our farthest location is in Granger at their community center, and the closest is Rockbridge Church, hosted in their parking lot.
How does it work? Once we arrive, our volunteers help set up tables and organize the food. When setup is completed, our FFFA Associate, Steven Childress, will set the limits for each item to ensure we have enough for everyone. After that, we are ready to begin. At the start of the line, a volunteer will check people in by asking them 5 simple questions: name, number of household members, zip code, first time here, and whether they are currently a monthly client with us. No matter the answers to these questions, everyone will be treated equally and have an opportunity to receive food.
After checking in, the shopping process begins. We charge nothing for attending the event, and attendees can pick what they will use and decline other items they do not need. One by one, each shopper will pick their items until they reach the end of the line, where a volunteer will be waiting with a scale to weigh the food. We must track everything we hand out. When the weight is submitted, shoppers can be on their way home to enjoy all the wonderful food they received.
Our mission is to provide an easy opportunity for the community to access healthier and more affordable options for receiving food. When you have a healthier diet, you sleep better, feel better, and focus more. Fresh ingredients are more expensive, so this is our way of helping.
Lastly, I would like to thank all our partners and volunteers: City Reach Church, Bethany United Methodist, Jarel ISD, Granger Community Center, Community of Jonestown, Round Mountain Church, Live Oak Unitarian Church, Rockbridge Church, and Florence ISD. We appreciate everything that you do for us.
