Rural Food Program

St Philip/St Teresa  Rural Food Program

RURAL FOOD PROGRAM UPDATE for APRIL 2022 On Tuesday, April 12, forty-seven families, (118 individuals) were welcomed to our distribution and selected fresh produce, milk, eggs, poultry, beef , fish or vegetarian items, commodities, snacks and bread. All who are in need are welcome to receive nutritional support from our Program. One of our clients provided colorful hand crocheted caps which were offered to all clients during the very chilly morning. Filled Easter eggs were offered by Volunteers to every client to share with their family. Our volunteers even found time to help with the weeding in the hall parking lot. What an amazing group! We have opened the hall to in-person shopping for our clients who can choose specific foods from our program for their families. It also allows volunteers and clients to re connect post pandemic.
If you are aware of a family which needs nutritional assistance, please let them know about our program. Leave a message at the parish office, (707) 874-3812 to get a call back with additional information and to answer your questions. This program is funded through monthly Rural Food Collection, private donations and the dedicated, awesome volunteers. Thank you for your generous donations as we strive to meet the nutritional needs of all attendees at our food distributions.
RURAL FOOD VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES in the Parish Hall and

parking area: Saturday, May 7, 9-10:00am repackaging; Monday, May 9, 9:00 – 11:00am set up and Tuesday, May 10, 7:30a – 11:00am to distribute food to clients.

Our Story:

Thirty eight years ago, under the leadership of long time parishioner, Naomi Curtis, the St Philip/St Teresa Rural Food Program began. Under the auspices of Catholic Charities it provides food for residents in the greater Western Sonoma County. Whether attendees are temporarily out of a job, homeless or just not able to make ends meet, all are welcome on the second Tuesday of each month to receive fresh dairy, produce, commodities, proteins for a variety of diets.   The program is funded by a second collection each month at St Teresa and St Philip churches.  We also receive donations from individuals and groups.
Much of our food comes from our association with the Redwood Empire Food Bank and we also purchase fresh poultry, eggs and other items not otherwise available.
Volunteers from our churches and surrounding communities make our program shine. Volunteers plan our distribution, order and pick up our food offerings, set up the distribution just like a grocery store and assist our clients by transport selections to their autos.    Volunteers are welcome to join our program and see for themselves the good work that is happening in our Rural Food Program.
For more information, contact Rural Food Program coordinators: Cathy McCool 707 861 9302/Hal McGuirk 707 874 3304. [email protected] [email protected]

Click the "Donate" button below to make a tax deductible donation that will help feed families in need. Our Federal Tax number is #37-1874623.

THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH
9:00 am to 11:00 am
At the parish hall in Occidental.
Registration begins at 8:30 am.

Click here to read a feature about our
program in the Press Democrat

If you have any questions, to volunteer, or to donate to the program, please contact:
Cathy McCool or Hal McGuirk