The “Food Distribution Program” to the needy was the first ministerial activity undertaken by “Feed My Sheep” in June of 1995. There was a great need in the area for relief for the elderly who were regularly skipping medical services and medicine due to financial insufficiency, single mothers raising a family, those with high medical bills due to cancer or other illnesses and just plain hungry children. A couple of the churches were helping those within their own congregation and a county program was helping those in need once or twice. We saw a real need for long term help for individuals like Sister Louise, 78 years old with an income of $300 a month who survived in her country home with bananas topped with peanut butter three meals a day. A 100 year old teacher, living in the country without electricity or even a stove in her home. A woman trying to raise four children in a home with only an old table in the kitchen, no chairs, the living room was bare. Then there was Bert, in his mid 60's who had just gone through several major surgeries and was filled with cancer. He was too proud to ask for help, but another concerned individual told us of their need. Bert was so appreciative for the food that he came out to the Mission to help. The last time he was there he had tubes hanging out of his stomach. He died shortly after that. I could go on and on with the need in this area but time will not permit. We are currently distributing food to over 800 people every month.
A typical months activity at the Mission starts with a search for food. We regularly travel to Oklahoma City (500 mi round trip), Russellville (200 mi round trip), Fort Smith (180 mi. round trip) Fayetteville (360 mi round trip). The search for food has taken us as far as Chicago Ill., and Houston Tx. We are continually seeking new places as a supply source for food.
Our volunteers sort and separate the food as it is received and store it for future use. Much of our food is received in bulk containers and has to be repackaged in smaller containers prior to distribution. We have been blessed with a really great volunteer staff comprised of Christians from several denominations. It is a blessing seeing how they all work together in harmony.