Grab and Go Project– St. Gabriel LOC, Archdiocese of Washington

Submitted by: Bertha Guerra

Prior to COVID, the St. Gabriel LOC contemplated starting a Parish Food Pantry. Then, due to COVID-19, we had to think of another creative way to provide support to the community, when they needed it the most. So, the Ladies came up with another way to provide food for those in need. That idea became the Grab and Go Project. The idea was the Ladies would provide plastic containers containing non-perishable food items as well as carry bags. Having obtained the go ahead from the Parish Priest, flyers were posted and plastic containers placed at the front and side entrances of the Church (there was one Mass on Saturday and one on Sunday). The Ladies filled the containers and provided carry bags. Upon entering or leaving Church, food was available for anyone in need. Just “Grab and Go”.

The Ladies learned from this Lenten project how much there was a need for this project in our church community. The Ladies filled the containers three times during the Lenten Season. The project is such a success. The Ladies will continue the project for as long as there is a need.