Free food distribution to be held at the Water’s Edge Church

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Following the success of a free food distribution in February, despite temperatures dipping past 20 degrees below zero, a second free food distribution is being planned for Saturday at Water’s Edge Church. 

The program is being held in conjunction with the Farmers to Families program, as well as the Living Bread Food Distribution. There are no income guidelines to receive the free food, or even a proof of residency. 

Those who attend simply need to show up and the volunteers will load the food in a vehicle for them. If the demand continues to persist, similar food drops will happen in the Henning area as long as funding is available. Meaning, every unit of food that is picked up could benefit the Henning community in the future. 

Photo by Chad Koenen
Volunteers helped to distribute over 1,000 units of food during a free food distribution at the Water’s Edge Church in February. A similar food drop will be held on Saturday.

What is actually included in each unit depends on what is available at the time of the distribution, but typically includes several staples like produce, protein and dairy. Some of the items that are included could be a 5 lb. bag of potatoes, onions, apples, cheese, yogurt, milk and meat.

“They are suppose to provide produce, protein and dairy,” said Deb Godding. 

Depending upon how many people show up for the food distribution, each vehicle may be able to receive more than one unit. People can also pick up units for neighbors and friends to help get the food out to more people in need.

“People can pick up for others. We prefer if they pick up for others that they have a name and where it is going to,” said Godding.

Funding for the program comes from COVID-19 relief funds, but food distributions have been occurring in the region for a number of years. What makes this food distribution unique is that there is no charge for the food. 

The food drop will be held on Saturday at the Water’s Edge Church. The truck is scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. and the food distribution is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., depending upon when the truck arrives to town. 

Vehicles are asked to line up behind Water’s Edge Church and along Balmoral Ave. to St. Edward’s Catholic Church. The vehicles will then come through the Water’s Edge Church parking lot and exit through the parking lot to the front of the church. Another food distribution is set for April, but no firm date has been determined.