St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

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St. Bart's Blog

Q & A with St. Bart's Feeding San Diego

Posted by Lisa Oakes on

These first few weeks of food distribution have been amazing! We've distributed over 1,500 pounds of food to our community so far and meeting the guests each week has truly been a blessing. There have been so many good suggestions and lots of questions about the program these past few weeks and we will try to address some of them.

Can I bring canned goods or other non-perishable items to donate?
Yes! If you bring items to church with you on Saturday or Sunday they will be distributed at the Sunday distribution. We are not able to store much so please bring items on Saturday evening or Sunday only and leave in the basket by the Serve Table or in the narthex (lobby) on Saturday night. Please don't bring expired or opened items. We will gladly accept unopened canned goods, toiletries, cleaning supplies, paper products and the like.

Can we donate backyard produce?
Yes! We would love to have your fresh fruits and vegetables. Please bring them on Sunday to church or directly to the distribution in the Parish Hall between 1:30 and 2 p.m. any Sunday.

Is there a way to get food delivered to people who can't come to the distribution?
If you know someone who could use the food, please come and get it for them and deliver it. We would be happy to fill bags for those who can't attend and have them delivered by a neighbor. We are open to expanding the ministry in the future and are exploring this idea with a local service group.

What's the greatest need/how can I help?
Our greatest need right now is for food pick-up drivers on Sunday mornings between 8 and 9 a.m. These volunteers go to Sprout's and/or Target and collect the fresh food these stores are donating and bring it back to St. Bart's to unload and weigh. If you have a minivan, SUV or truck, we could really use your help - once in a while or on a regular basis. Whatever works for you. Email if you can assist.

I'd like to donate clothes - can I bring them to the food distribution?
We are not distributing clothing or household items - please bring these donations to the St. Bart's Thrift store on Poway Road. All items donated are sold at very low prices to the community and the money earned goes back into the community through various projects at St. Bart's.

Can I donate pet food?
Yes! Please bring any unopened pet supplies to church with you on Saturday or Sunday and we will distribute with the fresh food rescue items. No opened packages can be accepted.

I have meat in my freezer that I would like to donate, will you take that?
No, we are unable to accept items such as meats, dairy and the like from the public for distribution to ensure food safety for our guests.

Can I make a monetary donation?
Yes, although this is a self-sustaining project, any monetary donations will be used to promote the project or help with the purchase of signage, storage boxes and feeding the hungry in our community.

Can I come to get food? Can I bring neighbors or friends?
YES! Please come to get food. We are here to serve one another and the community around us. Bring a bag and come get fresh food. If you have neighbors or family members who could use a hand, invite them or bring them along. ALL ARE WELCOME, NO EXCEPTIONS! 

Can undocumented people get food here safely?
Yes, we will provide food to everyone who comes without the need to register with us or provide proof of residency, income or other information.

I still have questions or suggestions. Who can I talk to?
Please email Lisa Marie Oakes at with questions or suggestions or call the office at St. Bart's, 858-487-2159.

We'd love to talk to you about the program.
Sign up to volunteer for distribution shifts.

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