Feeding the Hungry
Rome First UMC is involved in two primary ministries to feed those in need in the Rome community: Community Kitchen and Rome Action Ministries
The Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen is a ministry established by Rome First UMC and other downtown churches that has grown into its own non-profit entity. Through this ministry, those in need are fed lunch every weekday. On average, 150 meals are served each day to men, women, and children. In 2010, more than 33,000 meals were served.
Church members prepare the food and serve it the first full week of each month. Church members also regularly donate food to the Community Kitchen pantry and the church supports this ministry financially. Meals are served from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.
There are several opportunities to volunteer in this ministry. You can help prepare the food, serve the food, or assist with cleanup (9:00 am - 1:00pm on serving days). You do not have to stay the entire time; many volunteers can work 1-2 hours at a time. Another opportunity is picking up donated food from various area restaurants and grocery stores. This is done on the third Tuesday of each month.
The Community Kitchen is located at 4 Calhoun Avenue, Rome, GA 30161. For more information, contact the church office, or Melanie Baker at 706-346-6695.
Rome Action Ministries
Rome Action Ministries (or RAM) works in Rome and Floyd County to help individuals and families break the cycle of hunger and poverty that entrap them. RAM provides clients with access to a food pantry, meal assistance, referrals, and life-skill training. RAM operates three food pantries that provide groceries to their guests. They also operate a Backpack Buddies program that provides at-risk children with extra nutrition on weekends.
These programs are aimed at preventing families from becoming homeless and helping the homeless transition into more stable living conditions. In 2010, RAM assisted 38,900 visitors in 12,000 families and distributed more than 800,000 pounds of food.
Rome First UMC supports this ministry through volunteers working in the food pantry, food drives during the year, and also financially. We maintain food collection bins for RAM year-round. We also support other RAM initiatives throughout the year with volunteers and material donations. To learn more about RAM, click here or call 706-291-7731