Friday's Harvest is a distribution program that focuses on reaching out to the community by donating essential nutrition. It provides a bag with fruit and vegetables to those who stop by the church from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays. If possible, a suggested donation of $1 is asked for the bag of food to help the Davis Korean Church's operation continue.
Church member Charlene Shon has been a pivotal piece in organizing 'Friday's Harvest.' She is the chairwoman of the church's Compassion Outreach Ministry, so she is largely responsible for directing these beneficial programs.
'During the holidays we create family food boxes, make quilts for the Yolo Crisis Nursery, and find other ways to show sincere love to the members of our community. 'Friday's Harvest' is a little different because it gives us a continuous opportunity to assist others' Shon said.
Shon is also the director of Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program for the Yolo County Health Department. Understanding the importance of a healthful diet, especially for pregnant women, nursing moms, and infants, Shon collaborated with Jose B. Martinez, the executive director of the Food Bank of Yolo County. This non-profit business helps with two similar programs in Woodland, and one in West Sacramento, and was delighted to be able to serve the Davis community.
'We had been trying to find an outlet for distribution in Davis for sometime, so when Shon proposed something through her church, we immediately pursued the opportunity' Martinez said. The combination of the Food Bank of Yolo County and the Davis Korean Church convinces Martinez, Shon, and others that they will be able to consistently hold 'Friday's Harvest.'
'We want people to spread the word as much as possible,' Shon said. 'With the partnership of these two groups, we know that we can provide quality, nutritious food to our community for the long haul. And since the bags weigh 8 to 12 pounds, it is a good portion of essential nutrients.' The church has mobilized a volunteer group, which also allows the weekly distribution to take place.
Pastor Danny Yoon, another key member in the Compassion Outreach Ministry, has spread the word to local committees in Davis hoping to open more outlets for the Food Bank of Yolo County, and other organizations, to connect with the community.
Leslie Dooup, one of the first to receive her re-usable bag filled with fresh food was grateful. 'When it gets harder to go to the grocery store and pick up fresh food, for whatever reason, an effort like this is really appreciated.'
The Food Bank assures this with access to the fruits and vegetables in season. For example, the first giveaway bags consisted of cabbage, corn, tomatoes, and plums. Martinez is well aware that this may be challenging but still guarantees 'that no packaged, can, or processed food will be supplied.'
'For the first couple weeks we are anticipating 120 people to collect donations, but we would like that number to grow. Nutrition education is an added bonus with 'Friday's Harvest' because it can show people how good healthy food is,' Martinez said.
The charity cascades in radiant amounts from the Davis Korean Church every Friday at 3 p.m. It is an amazing site, because the on-going construction of the new church has not distracted this congregation from acting according to their faith.
Pastor David Yi speaks for all the volunteers involved when he says, 'The natural link between the church and the community will grow with 'Friday's Harvest.' We are fortunate enough to have found Jose, and the Food Bank of Yolo County, allowing us to make this a serious commitment to share God's love.'
