A Letter from our Ministers about First UU’s response to Food Insecurity and the loss of SNAP Benefits

Dear Members and Friends of First UU San Diego:
 
Like all of you, we are deeply troubled by the delay in SNAP benefits caused by the ongoing government shut down.  We want to let you know how we at First UU are responding, remind you of available resources, and let you know how you can help.
 
Food Pantry Distribution resumes 11/8
The Food Pantry moved from our location on Broadway to St. John’s Episcopal, 760 First Ave in Chula Vista just last week. On Saturday 11/1, we oriented volunteers to our new location, and this week, distribution resumes on Saturday 11/8. We are grateful for the many people who have donated time and treasure to make this move happen. Click here for the pantry webpage. 
 
Help is available
Church members who rely on SNAP benefits are welcome to join the many families and individuals who receive nourishing food from our food pantry. You can find out more about how food is distributed on Saturdays by contacting [email protected]. We also distribute diapers on Sundays at 12:45 pm.

Rev. Kristen and Rev. Justine can also provide assistance to members who are facing challenges due to loss of benefits through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.  Please contact Rev. Kristen ([email protected], 619-398-4435) or Rev. Justine ([email protected], 619-398-4434) if you need assistance.
 
How you can help
The food pantry welcomes volunteers during the week and on Saturday mornings.  To learn more, contact [email protected]. 

We also welcome financial donations to the food pantry and to the Minister’s Discretionary fund. For $1 a week, the pantry is able to provide 15-20 pounds of fresh food to a family. Providing support to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund helps us to continue to provide support to the members of our church who are struggling. We expect to experience greater need, especially as the government shutdown drags on and as we approach the holiday season. You can donate here: https://www.firstuusandiego.org/donations.html

Unitarian Universalists Respond
We are part of a movement of Unitarian Universalists around the country who are responding to the needs of our communities. You can learn more about the work of UU congregations around the country in this recent UU World article, which also highlights the South Bay Food Pantry: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/snap-benefits-help-unitarian-universalists

We are grateful for the ongoing generosity of spirit and resources from this community of faith.  Let us continue to support one another in these troubling times.
 
In faith and service,
Rev. Justine and Rev. Kristen
Ministers, First UU San Diego