NEWBERRY — Bethel Worship is working to help feed Newberry through the Bethel Worship Joseph Ministry and has partnered with Harvest Hope Food Bank Food Bank in Columbia to help those in need in the community.
“We have partnered with Harvest Hope for the last two months, but we have been doing just the ministry almost a year and a half. The first year and a half we were making meals one Saturday a month and feeding the sheriff and the community. We would make an entree, side and dessert. Than it turned into Harvest Hope,” said Pastor Ben Hawkins.
Bethel Worship, 1403 Main St. in Newberry, began helping feed the community after James Armstrong and a worship leader were doing some work at the church.
“A lady came knocking on the door, looking for food. She could not find anybody to help her in Newberry, South Carolina. Almost immediately following that, I think it was Sunday or Wednesday, I walked up to Ben and said, a lady knocked on the door looking for food. I said we cannot turn anybody else away looking for food,” Armstrong said. “Since then we have been working as a team. Now people can come and get a week’s worth of groceries. It’s just pure of heart and love of people in the community.”
For the past two months Bethel has partnered with Harvest Hope, they supply the ministry with support and the means. Bethel will purchase the food from Harvest Hope, for cents on the dollar. Armstrong said that they travel to Columbia once a week and pick up the vegetables and canned goods.
“We are waiting on USDA products, which we will also pick up at Harvest Hope. We have to meet a goal, be open so many months, and serving so many families,” he said.
Hawkins added that they have to feed 50 families a month, and they have done that the last two months, feeding over 50 families. He said they are now USDA approved.
“Harvest Hope has also provided three freezers. They donated them to us,” he said.
The relationship with Harvest Hope came about when Armstrong made a phone call. He said they did the paperwork, went through the application process and were inspected. He added that they will need to be inspected once a year to make sure they are meeting certain criteria set forth by Harvest Hope.
When families come to Bethel for the food pantry, they will have to fill out some paperwork. Armstrong has an income chart that he follows for the program. The income eligibility guidelines state that a household size of one should be making $17,820 per year, or $1,485 per month or $343 per week. A family of five is $42,660 per year, $3,555 per month and $821 per week.
“I allow it on income. A lot of families here let’s say daddy got sick and cannot work for two or three months, and no income,” Armstrong said. “There is no discrimination. We do not care what color you are or where you are from, as long as you meet the criteria.”
Hawkins added that they do not want to turn anyone away, even if their income is a little bit higher. He said they may be in a situation where they need the help. Armstrong added that they will provide for them, but it would be separate from the Harvest Hope.
Bethel Worship Joseph Ministry also provides produce, which is separate from what is sold to them by Harvest Hope. Armstrong said that is to help families in the weeks they cannot pick up food, as families are only allowed to get food once a month from Harvest Hope.
“Every week we provide produce, serve up to 30 families a week doing produce. Other than Harvest Hope, we have partnered with Harvey’s in Newberry, Mike’s Produce in Newberry, Little Caesars in Newberry,” he said.
Hawkins said they are still working with Walmart to become a partner.
The Ministry distributes food on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon. Families can also fill out the proper paperwork that day as well. Armstrong said eventually they are going to be more than one day, but it is a matter of when. If a family is in an emergency situation, they can also contact Armstrong and he will open up the food pantry for them.
Bethel will also take donations from individuals as well. Armstrong said if anyone wanted to do a food drive, or just donate they can call him (803-944-7053) or email him ([email protected]) and he will work it out to where they can drop off the food, or he will pick it up.
He added that they are always in need for things like canned vegetables, rice, noodles, soups, cereals and baby food.
The Ministry is also in the process of collecting clothing and furniture, and in the future will be providing those for the community as well.
