Sometimes, one of the hardest choices we make in our day is what to have for dinner. But for some of our neighbors, there are few options, if any.
With the help of donated funds from Community Health System and others, Fresno Metro Ministry and St. Rest Baptist Church have partnered to create the St. Rest + Food to Share HUB to provide food for those who need it.
What is a food desert?
The Central Valley produces nearly a quarter of all food in the United States, yet many of our residents live in what is called a “food desert” — an area with limited access to healthy, affordable food.
Southwest Fresno is a food desert. Three times a month, residents gather at St. Rest to receive essential food and household items they have difficulty getting on their own.
“The purpose of the partnership is that we come together for the sake of giving to a community that has been disenfranchised historically for decades,” said Pastor DJ Criner of St. Rest Baptist Church. “A community that has a lack of grocery stores, a lack of recreation, a lack of the ability to get to stores and to get fresh produce and to get healthy food.”
How St. Rest + Food to Share HUB cuts down on food waste
What started as an act of generosity among congregation members has into a community-wide effort.
Fresno Metro Ministry collects food from more than 100 donors — including the Central California Food Bank, local grocers, farmers, hospitals, food processors and school districts — who have extra food that would otherwise go to waste.
The donations are stored at the food hub at St. Rest Baptist Church until ready for distribution.
“This past year we have distributed about 29,000 pounds of food items,” said Sister Bernice Wiley, food ministry administrator at St. Rest.
It’s not just food that’s shared with the community. Education and resources are also helping the residents of Southwest Fresno to live healthier lives. The food hub has a state-of-the-art community kitchen where Fresno Metro Ministry helps residents learn about nutrition and how to turn the food they receive into healthy meals for their families.
Community Health System supports programs battling food insecurity
Fresno Metro Ministry and St. Rest Baptist Church rely on donors like Community Health System to help keep this essential program going. Since 2020, we've invested $465,000 in the St. Rest + Food to Share HUB.
It’s part of our mission to help our community thrive outside of our hospital walls. Our commitment to creating a stronger Central Valley starts by bringing healthy food to the homes of those we serve — making sure residents have the resources they need to stay well and live fully.
Sister Bernice shares that commitment.
“It’s not work for me,” she said. “It’s something I’m led and driven to do and I absolutely love it.”
Watch video of this story on MedWatch Today, Community's weekly, half-hour TV show produced in partnership with KSEE24 and CBS47.
