Restoration Free Gospel Church
SHARE Food Program
What is SHARE and It's Mission?
SHARE (Self Help and Resources Exchange) is a community based non-profit community building network that provides wholesome and nutritious food to families and individuals. By drawing together individuals and community resources SHARE empowers it's participants to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.
How SHARE Started
SHARE was started in 1983 in San Diego, California by Deacon Carl Shelton and the Catholic Diocese.  SHARE DC-METRO (designate #8343) was launched in April 1990 by Associated Catholic Charities and the Associated Catholic Charities and the Knights of Malta.  To date there are 25 SHARE affiliates across the United States, and programs in Guatemala and Mexico.  Future plans include Europe and Africa.

SHARE-DC was launched in April, 1990 by Associated Catholic Charities and the Knights of Malta. SHARE-DC serves communities in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.  SHARE DC-METRO serves an average of 12,500 families monthly.  Helping these families same money on their grocery bills, while strengthening their communities through volunteer service.  SHARE DC-METRO has organized over 330 volunteer host organizations.  These organizations include churches of all denominations, senior centers, military installations (USO), Headstart programs, schools and PTA's, food banks, union locals and tenant associations.  They help build our local network.  By combining national buying power with local volunteerism to help operate host sites and the warehouse, SHARE is able to offer quality food at substantial savings to our participants.
Who Can Participate?
SHARE, is open to anyone who wishes to participate.  If you can eat, you qualify!
What Makes SHARE Work?
By pooling thousands of dollars across the nation, SHARE purchases food at wholesale prices and passes the savings on to participants. Volunteers re-packages food purchased in bulk and distribute it throughout a network of host organizations in the DC Metropolitan area. 

SHARE works because of the people who participate in the network.  They purchase the food packages and contribute community service hours, which helps themselves and others.  In addition, the 25 SHARE affiliates purchase food together like a cooperative.  This is what makes it possible to purchase up to $40.00 of food for only $18.00!
How Can I Save Money On MY Groceries Through SHARE?
  1. Register at a neighborhood host site, such as Free Gospel
  2. Pay just $18.00
  3. Give two hours a month of volunteer service in the community
  4. Pick up your SHARE package at your neighborhood host site on food distribution day
  5. Receive approximately $40-$45 worth of quality frozen meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and staple items at 50-60%% savings
  6. Register for the next month!
What Is In The Food Package?
Containing 6-8 lbs. of meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and staple items (e.g., rice, pasta, potatoes), the package is designed to supplement a family's food budget with savings of 60% over local grocery store prices.
What can you do for volunteer service?
IF YOU HAVE A CAR, YOU COULD:
 - ride share with a friend
 - take a friend shopping, to the recycling center, to a meeting, or to school
 - bring friends to SHARE for Bagging Week
IF YOU LIKE TO GARDEN, YOU COULD:
 - work in a community block garden
 - mow a neighbor's yard
 - pull weeds for a friend, senior, or disabled neighbor
 - grow extra food in your garden to give to others
 - plant flowers around the neighborhood
IF YOU HAVE A PHONE, YOU COULD:
- call a sick neighbor
- call a latchkey child every day after school
- make call for your SHARE Host Organization
IF YOU LIKE A CLEAN COMMUNITY, YOU COULD:
- paint out graffiti
- adopt an area of your street to keep clean
- pick up litter at a local park
- pick up recycling items from your neighbors
- put out boxes near the trash bins at your apartment complex so neighbors can recycle
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A CHURCH, YOU COULD:
- encourage your church to become a SHARE Host Organization
- help with general maintenance
- work on church festivals
- teach Sunday school or conduct Bible Study
- help in the church office
- be a member on a church committee
- sing in the choir
- watch children in the nursery
IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SKILL, YOU COULD:
- fix cars
- give haircuts
- knit or crochet items for a non-profit group
- do electrical work or plumbing for a friend or at the SHARE Warehouse
- do carpentry
- bake cookies for your child's class or church 
- do graphic art
IF YOU LIKE TO HELP OTHERS, YOU COULD:
- cook for a sick neighbor
- be a member of your child's PTA or ask teachers what help is needed in the classroom
- be a part of a Neighborhood Watch Group
- take a senior citizen to the doctor
- care for an elderly or disabled friend/relative
- organize a block or apartment party 
- baby-sit for a friend
IF YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY GROUPS, YOU COULD:
- volunteer at the public library
- help with Boys and Girls Clubs
- volunteer at local community agencies
- help with the local Boy/Girl Scouts
- volunteer at local food pantry/soup kitchen
- help with Little League
- help at senior centers
IF YOU LIKE TO TALK WITH OTHERS, YOU COULD:
- talk to community groups about SHARE
- call your legislators and advocate for bills supporting the hungry and homeless 
- call the Visiting Nurse Association and ask for referrals to people who are lonely and in need of companionship
IF YOU ARE STRONG AND HEALTHY, YOU COULD:
- help with distribution for your host SHARE Site
- help people move
- help with Bagging items at warehouse
- help with preparation for food distribution at warehouse
For this month's SHARE DC-METRO Menu :
For more information regarding SHARE DC-METRO, visit their website! http://www.sharedc.com


Designate # 8343

Contact our church if you have any questions regarding the Restoration Free Gospel Church Community Program.
 
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