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S.H.A.R.E. IS BACK!!!!!! Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and School The SHARE Food Program: An Overview Contact: Karen Woolley at Karen.Woolley@pfizer.com The SHARE (Self Help And Resource Exchange) Food Program is a nonprofit community building program that uses the cooperative purchase and discounted sale of wholesome and nutritious food as a means to encourage self-sufficiency and volunteerism. SHARE has been distributing food from its Philadelphia warehouse since October, 1986, and serves an average of 7,500 households monthly. Providing Good Food for a Great Price – SHARE buys food in bulk and passes the savings on to its participants, who can purchase these items on a monthly basis through SHARE for approximately half of normal retail costs. SHARE purchases the food for its packages from growers, brokers, and packaging plants – the food is not donated, government surplus, or salvage. SHARE’s core offerings are packages containing frozen meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and staple items. Package purchases are often supplemented by items from SHARE’s Preference list, which consists of foods available by the unit or by the case. In 2004, SHARE distributed over 93,000 food packages. Inspiring Service to the Community – The purchase of a SHARE package requires the participant to commit to performing two hours of community service. SHARE defines community service as any good deed, act of kindness, or service to benefit one’s neighbor or community. SHARE participants deliver food to the elderly, assist in neighborhood cleanup days, help bag fruits and vegetables for their SHARE packages, or engage in countless other activities that not only serve to strengthen their communities, but also foster an even greater sense of self-worth and accomplishment. In 2004, SHARE participants performed over 180,000 hours of community service. Creating Community Networks – SHARE is organized and serves its mission through a network of volunteer host sites located throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York Metro. SHARE’s host site network is comprised of both formal and informal organizations, such as churches, community centers, schools, towns, businesses, senior centers, or tenant associations. The coordinators for each site are community members who act as SHARE ambassadors, spreading the word about the program, taking and fulfilling participant orders, and liaising with SHARE staff. SHARE works with host sites outside the Philadelphia area to arrange for transportation to regional distribution points, where hosts can pick up food and distribute it to their nearby communities. If you eat, you qualify… SHARE is unique in that it is open to anyone – unlike traditional food assistance programs, there are no restrictions as to who can participate in SHARE. Orders for the Month Of March will be taken on: Cash and money orders and food stamps will be accepted. Please no personal checks will be accepted. |