As Fallon Daily Bread, a ministry of Epworth United Methodist Church, celebrates its 15th Anniversary of serving free meals to anyone in need, on January 19th, the coordinators would like to thank the community for its generous support. The all-volunteer program seeks to provide a hot, nutritious meal in a warm and caring atmosphere to any and all who wish to participate every Monday and Thursday from 4:45 to 5:45.
Started in 2006, serving one meal a week, the first meal served seven guests in the Fireside Room of the main church building, with the following week serving 35 guests. At that point a second night was added, with the number of guests being served rising every week. In 2009, upon completion of the Wolf Center, FDB moved its ministry into a much larger kitchen and dining area which enabled more meals to be prepared more efficiently. Over the last 15 years, FDB has served over 130,000 meals to the community.
With a wonderful group of volunteers who prepare and serve the meal and then clean up afterwards, FDB has survived the good and bad times. Volunteers have included service groups, businesses, churches and individuals, who donate their time to serve those in our community who may need a little help. FDB is completely reliant on not only volunteers, but on donations, both financial and of food and equipment.
Started by Mary Myers, Kathy Fraker, and June Young, with support from the church congregation, Kathy and June are still involved, with Kathy Fraker being the Volunteer Coordinator, and June Young in charge of finances. Shortly after Mary Myers moved from the area, Barbara and Ron Evans came on board as the head menu planners and food purchasers.
Over the years, the community of people, in which Daily Bread serves has become family and friends. Kathy Fraker noted that the best part of the program for her, is watching strangers come together to help each other. Ron Evans concurred, saying there is a special bond among the guests. “When one passes away, it’s like losing a member of the family,” he said.
During the last 10 months the program has had to make some changes with the pandemic and closure of the church dining room. Determined to keep FDB serving meals, a to-go system was implemented. Meals are prepared in the kitchen, using some new safety protocols, and then packaged into containers and passed out a side door of the Wolf Center building. This isn’t ideal, since the community atmosphere is missing, with the social distancing in place. FDB Coordinators look forward to when we can serve in the dining room again.
Kathy, Barbara, Ron and June want to express gratitude to the community, and to God, for blessing and supporting us over the last 15 years. Fallon Daily Bread has only survived because of the volunteers, financial support and the many miracles we have witnessed. If you are interested in more information on volunteering contact Kathy Fraker at 775-867-3095, to donate food contact Barbara and Ron Evans at 775-423-2650 or to provide financial assistance call June Young at 775-217-2259.
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