Deacons Food Drive for UMD Pediatric Clinic

This month, the Deacons are leading a campaign to support the UMD Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic in Baltimore, MD, which serves children and families across our region and throughout Maryland.

Earlier this fall, the clinic began asking parents if they worried about running out of food for their families. The response was heartbreaking—many said yes.

To meet this urgent need, the clinic first connected families with local food resources. Then, with help from a Baltimore food bank, they began distributing Healthy Back-Up Bags—each providing a 3-day supply of food. Currently, the clinic can only distribute 12 bags every other week.

Sadly, the demand far exceeds the available resources. While the clinic is working toward a long-term grant to establish a hospital food bank, families need help now.

Here’s how you can make a difference: Please join the Deacons in supporting these children and their families by bringing donations of shelf-stable foods to the “UMD bin” - which will be right by the Just One Can basket - in the Upper Commons.

Requested items include:

• Peanut Butter

• Fruit Jam/Jelly

• Cereal (Cheerios or oatmeal)

• Canned Chicken and Tuna

• Canned or Dried Beans (black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.)

• Boxed Macaroni & Cheese

• Rice

• Cornbread Mix

• Dehydrated Potatoes

• Dry Pasta

• Pasta Sauce

• Canned Soups

• Canned Diced Tomatoes

• Canned Vegetables (green beans, peas & carrots, corn)

• Canned/Packaged Fruits (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, applesauce)

Together, we can help ease the burden of food insecurity for families facing the challenges of childhood illness.

Many thanks to all who helped last year!

Your help with this Ministry is greatly appreciated.

Look for those sales!

Questions? Contact the Church Office churchoffice@firstpreshc.org