As we continue our efforts to help people who are experiencing food insecurity, MERCI will be working with the Society of St. Andrew to distribute USDA food boxes on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 9:30 AM.
These particular food boxes are part of the Farmers to Families program which is a part of the U.S. Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For answers to frequently asked questions relating to this program and specifics about the produce boxes that MERCI will receive and distribute, please see below.
SOSA and MERCI invite pastors and local churches to take boxes to their local parishes and distribute them at local churches, food pantries, and other drive-thru events.
Each one of us can give thanks for partnerships which help to provide Grade A produce to anyone who can use them at no cost. There are no income requirements for persons to receive the produce.
To reserve your boxes, call Bill Haddock at 910-262-3831 or email him at revbillh@nccumc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Could you describe the Farmers to Family program of the USDA?
- This program was started by Congress to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA hires contractors to buy produce directly from farmers, box it up, and distribute the boxes to families throughout the USA. (see www.USDA.gov )
- Boxes contain fruits and vegetables that are considered to be Grade A (what one would find in a market).
- There are 24 lbs of produce per box. The dimensions of the boxes are approximately 30” by 13” by 30”.
Q: Is there a cost for these boxes or any special requirements to receive the boxes?
A. The boxes of produce are free and anyone can receive a box.
Q: If a Church is willing to take boxes from MERCI, how many can they receive on July 23?
A. There are 50 boxes on a pallet. Each pallet weighs 1200 lbs. Full pallets can be reserved and easily placed on pick-up trucks (Ford 250 or Chevy 2500 size is preferable) or trailers. Partial parts of pallets can be reserved as well.
Q. How many food boxes will be at MERCI on July 23?
A. There will be 1300 total boxes at MERCI that need to be distributed.
Q: Can I get boxes and distribute them several days later?
A. Boxes should be distributed at some point on that day if possible. The produce has been refrigerated and will arrive on a refrigerated trailer. Having said that, the produce should be fine up to 24 hours in a cool unrefrigerated area.
Q. Can someone get just one box?
A. Yes. If you live in the Goldsboro area or you know someone who wants a box, we will have a drive-thru for first-come, first-served consumers. However, we will not be reserving just one box of produce.
To reserve boxes or pallets, call Bill Haddock at 910.262.3831 or email him at revbillh@nccumc.org