*This is a special feature from the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services 

“When so many other avenues are closed to involvement, our essential Food Distribution is a way to reach out and serve the community, to truly make a difference,” said Mary Leano, Volunteer Coordinator for The Com(e)passion Ministry at Wesley United Methodist Church.

For the past seven years, the ministry has been dedicated to connecting residents in Japantown in Downtown San José with hopes of building a stronger and more equitable community. When the pandemic began in March 2020, the ministry observed the pandemic’s impact and how many San José residents facing food insecurity could no longer afford to purchase groceries or put meals on the table.

This led to the launch of a weekly Neighborhood Food Distribution.

Volunteers sort food and essential items at Fellowship Hall prior to distribution.

Every Tuesday, Com(e)Passion Ministry delivers food to those in need in the Japantown community. Packaged food, as well as new masks and other essential items, are distributed to participants from 10 a.m. to noon at their Fellowship Hall in San Jose.

“Our clients have shared that this food donation makes a tremendous difference, freeing up their limited funds for their other important needs,” added Mark Teagle, Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music at Wesley United Methodist Church. “It also lets them know that people care, that they are not alone.”

Many residents that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic rely on the programs like the Neighborhood Food Distribution in order to provide meals for their family.

The Com(e)passion Ministry requires the essential work of volunteers to support the operations of this food distribution program. Volunteers are enlisted to pick up food every Monday from Grace Solutions and every Tuesday from Hunger at Home. Volunteers begin sorting food on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and distribute food boxes to participants from 10 a.m. to noon.

Through partnerships with the Winter Faith Collaborative, Grace Solutions, and Casa de Clara, the Neighborhood Food Distribution is made possible.

The Com(e)passion Ministry ensures that anyone who is facing food insecurity in our community can receive the resources they require. Together we are #siliconvalleystrong.

Volunteers at least 18 years of age are needed to assist the community in the Neighborhood Food Distribution. To sign up, please visit ttsu.me/wesleyfooddistribution.