The Interfaith Food Ministry: A Community-Wide Effort Providing Nourishment for Body and Soul

In its 34 years of service, the Interfaith Food Ministry has worked to carry out the goal of “feeding families... fueling hope” by sharing the love of Christ with food to sustain bodies and faith to sustain souls.

Linda and Gary Grube of St. Patrick's Parish are longtime volunteers with this ministry that brings together Catholics, members of other local churches, and those who have no church, all working together to provide food for those in need.

“It’s not a Catholic-based stewardship, but a communitybased stewardship,” Linda says.

“There are so many participants in the community who help donate and make it work.”

The ministry, located at 440 Henderson St. in Grass Valley, has seen the need for its services grow, with 11,000 persons helped this year alone. This is a 40-percent increase over last year’s total.

Interfaith Food Ministry is open five days a week, with distribution done on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday are stocking and sorting days. Those needing food, whether they are a family or a single person, may come in once a week for food. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, all the service currently is being done on a drive-thru basis.

Area businesses and organizations generously donate an abundance of different foods for the Interfaith Food Ministry. Grocery stores donate foods they cannot sell, area farmers offer produce from their fields, and individuals also make donations that enable the ministry to provide pasta, canned tuna, chicken, hot dogs, marinara sauce, and the like. The local Starbucks stores donate dessert and breakfast sandwich selections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration donates boxes of staples. There are food items that require no cooking or preparation that are offered to any homeless seeking help. People with lactose or gluten issues can be served, as can those with diabetes. With some advance notice, birthday cakes are provided. And for our animal companions, dog, and cat food is available, too.

“We also started gardens in little plots where some of the volunteers are growing our own produce,” Linda says.

With the approaching holidays, the Interfaith Food Ministry will offer an “Adopt a Family” program, as well as cards that can be purchased for a cash donation of $20. The cards state that a donation was given in the recipient’s name to the Interfaith Food Ministry. The funds raised through the card sales go to purchase food for families of four for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The agency also will be providing turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas.

One word that Linda often uses when discussing the Interfaith Food Ministry is “amazing” — it describes not only the generosity of donors to the ministry but also the work of the 500-plus volunteers, as well as the welcome and hospitality offered by the agency itself. That tone is set by the director and assistant director.

There are long hours of volunteer work, to be sure, but Linda and Gary view it as serving Christ.

“It is so much fun!” Linda says. “Everyone is so helpful. We are all called to do this.” Those volunteering cover all ages and life situations. “The people from the homeless shelter across the street come to work,” Linda says. “They come quite often. We have people from all walks of life coming to do God’s work. I look forward to it.”

At one time, Linda was challenged to think about what she was looking for in volunteering. Was she looking for joy or peace?

“After five hours of work, I come home exhausted but satisfied and peace-filled,” she says. “It is a joy to be there. What I feel is content that comes from doing what God wants us to do.”

Volunteers are always welcome. There are tasks to suit everyone, whether it is meeting with agency clients, or helping to sort groceries. Anyone interested is invited to stop by the agency, or visit the website at interfaithfoodministry.org and see what the Interfaith Food Ministry is about!

Linda Grube, a St. Patrick Parishioner, volunteers with her husband, Gary, at the Interfaith Food Ministry. She places containers in our church for food donations. With the approaching holidays, monetary donations are especially appreciated. Please visit interfaithfoodministry.org for details.