Feeding the flock; Free vegetable and eggs given away at Christ Episcopal Church

Published 7:46 am Thursday, July 20, 2017

Fresh vegetables and cartons of eggs sat on a folding table in front of Christ Episcopal Church on Wednesday morning. In front and to the side of the table were signs telling passersby that the food items were free.

Manning the table was Jim Churchill of the Christ Episcopal Church pastoral care ministry. With him were his grandsons, Aiden and Lucas Schneider, whom Churchill hoped to teach about sharing and giving back.

“We’re out here every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m.,” he said.

Jim Churchill and his grandsons, Aiden (left) and Lucas Schneider, gave out free vegetables and eggs.

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Two weeks ago, Christ Episcopal Church, 301 Third Ave. NW, started giving away vegetables from its garden. This is the third year the Church has done this program.

“We bring in fresh vegetables from the church garden and some of our parishioners also bring by vegetables,” Churchill said. “It’s all part of sharing and taking care of people in the neighborhood.”

Churchill also said the eggs came from the farm of one of the parishioners.

In the previous years, vegetables were distributed from the gardens of Christ Episcopal parishioners. This is the first year vegetables have been used from the Church’s garden, located in raised beds on the side of the church near the parking lot by Austin High School.

Tomato plants growing in the Christ Episcopal Church garden. Photos by Michael Stoll/mike.stoll@austindailyherald.com

The event has been successful, and Churchill said they have seen repeat visitors. He estimated that about 120 vegetables are given away per day, but the true number is unknown.

“It’s hard to say [how many vegetables have been given away],” he said. “We run out everyday.”

Vegetable and egg donations are not just open to members of Christ Episcopal Church. Churchill said that anybody is welcome to drop off extra vegetables on Wednesday morning if they wish.

“It helps feed people in the community,” he said.

Churchill also said that anybody is welcome to help if they want.

Free vegetables and eggs were given out at Christ Episcopal Church Wednesday morning.