What started in 2006 with a small box under a desk collecting food for the needy, has grown into a program serving 100 families per month.

The BRUU Food Pantry provides food to anyone in need, specifically the homeless, underemployed, and unemployed who live nearby and lack transportation to receive food at other locations.  Based on family size, recipients receive a minimum of 3 days of food.  Sufficient supplies to prepare 2800 meals are distributed on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday from 9:30 AM-1:00 PM.  There are no forms to fill out, and food is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

On the 3^rd Friday of each month, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, volunteers distribute food provided by the USDA. To receive food under the USDA grant, recipients provide identifying information and meet federal poverty eligibility guidelines.  Based on family size, up to two dozen families receive USDA food allotments.  Food is also available Tuesday- Friday 9:30 AM -2:30 PM for those in dire need.

The Capital Area Food Bank provides food donations as well as food we can purchase to stock the Pantry.  Funds for the Food Pantry come from BRUU monthly split the plate offerings, which in recent years have been augmented by a generous matching grant offered annually by congregants.  The Food Pantry is self-sustaining and is not funded out of the BRUU annual budget, although the church maintains a record of pantry income and expenses.

Through the generosity of the congregation, the work of 20 plus volunteers, and our partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, what began small has now expanded to meet the needs of a community’s less fortunate.