Blessing Box to help the hungry

Church members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church are introducing a food box in their home’s backyard as way to reach out to those in need.

Meredith and Jim Tracy, of Newton, are holding a Blessing of the Box event at 5 p.m. Sunday at their home in hopes to get the word out about a box that will be used to help those who are homeless or hungry.

The couple introduced the idea to their church and took it upon themselves to place the food box in their backyard. The box will contain food, hygiene products and other items that will be placed by others in the community.

The blessing box will be located at 308 N. Sixth Ave E.

“We hope this will encourage people to help feed those in need,” Jim Tracy said.

Jim said St. Stephen’s mission board decided to primarily address the issue of hunger in the community.

“There are some great programs to help families, but not so many to help those who are homeless, or simply hungry because they can’t afford to buy food that day,” Meredith said. “It is important to us to reach out to others in need, and while most of us are living on fixed or limited incomes, we don’t go to bed hungry.”

The Blessing Box is one of several ways St. Stephen’s is trying to assuage hunger. The church recently donated to the Berg Middle School Food Pantry and money was given to the school district to help defray the school lunch program deficit.

“We have a program for the Jasper County Animal Rescue League to provide food for the animals, and we donate monthly to the Salvation Army,” Meredith said.

Many communities around us have these food boxes throughout their towns, according to the Tracy’s.

“We aren’t doing this alone, or as a single entity — we would like everyone in town involved in stopping hunger,” Jim said. “This box is located in a more private area and there is no sign-in or registration required, its use is on the honor system.”

The Tracy’s ask that the wrappers be disposed of properly. Anyone is welcome to donate food as well, either through their church or through St. Stephen’s. Or through drop offs on the bench outside the church.

The couple will provide hot dogs and chips Sunday for attendees during the time of fellowship.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com