Adventure Church feeds hungry through food pantry program

A Draper-area church is helping to ensure that hungry families have the food they need during difficult times. The program is called Jesus Feeds in reference to the stories of service in the Bible.

The Adventure Church, located at 12300 South 325 West, provides a twice-weekly food pantry service to people living in Draper, Midvale, Sandy, Riverton, Bluffdale, South Jordan, West Jordan and Herriman.

Adventure Church congregation member and Jesus Feeds Director Michelle Seghini said the church has recently expanded the program to meet the growing need in the community, and could use additional donations and support from volunteers.

“We do have a significant need for volunteers, especially on Wednesdays. We would like to have people that are committed, to help make the families [that participate regularly] feel safe and foster a sense of community,” she said.

The church food pantry is open every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers can help by committing to a four-hour shift on a weekly basis, to help with things such as food delivery reception, answering phones and greeting families.

To receive food pantry services, people are asked to make an appointment in advance so that Jesus Feeds volunteers can be prepared to help meet individual and families’ specific needs.

The church food pantry works with Utah Food Bank Services to help provide fresh food, canned goods, milk, meat and basic household items – such as paper towels and toilet paper – for the families.

Seghini said the volunteers try to find out what the family needs and give them choices, both to best help meet their needs and to show them respect.

“We really try to feed our families the same quality of food we would want to eat [in our own homes],” she said. “We want [the food pantry service] to be a good experience and treat them with dignity.”

Jesus Feeds is in need of more expensive food items, such as meat, and personal hygiene products, such as deodorant, shampoo and women’s care products.

“Overall donations to the Utah Food Bank are down. We’re only getting about half of what we got last year,” Seghini said.

Everyone participating in the Jesus Feeds program will also receive information on other available services, based on their needs, for people struggling with a recent job loss, underemployment, a medical crisis or disability.

Information is also available on how to apply for reduced utility payments, employment information and support services for women and children.

Seghini said participants are asked about their financial situation, but no one is turned away in an emergency or crisis situation.

“We’re an emergency food bank. If they walk through the door and they need the help, we will serve them,” she said.

To schedule an appointment for Jesus Feeds services, to participate as a volunteer, or to make a donation, call the church at 801-432-2054.