Food Cooperative Begins

No doubt if you drive by the Union Mission, on most days, you will likely see a line of people out the front door waiting patiently to receive a food box.   The demand for food has increased in our community and Union Mission's 50 boxes per month in 2010, has now risen to gifting about 600 boxes per month to families in need.    

The increase has placed stress upon the Mission with increased need for finances and staff.   We have determined that those who receive, and those who give, need a change in the process.    We believe we have a solution and that solution begins February 1.

Beginning in February our community is invited to join one of six Food Co-ops that will meet twice monthly at Union Mission.  Participants will not only enjoy no food lines, but will also have opportunity to receive two food boxes per month in the new Food Co-op.   The Co-op will be run by participants who will elect officers within the Co-op and fill their own boxes at each meeting.   Dues of $2.00 per meeting will be expected from each participant.  The dues paid at the Co-op are not used for the purchase of food.  Food will still come from donations received into our pantry from the community and other sources.  "We simply pass on food donations to the public to those in need." said LaCount Anderson, Executive Director of Union Mission.  "The new food Co-op will enable us to not only give out the food donations in a more effective manner, but will also give recipients opportunity to receive food with dignity and participate in educational opportunities that will occur within the Co-op meetings." he stated.  

To enroll in a Union Mission Food Cooperative is easy.   Participants should come by the Mission at 1310 Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC to sign up for one of the six cooperatives.  The Co-ops will meet on the second and fourth week of each month (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).   Should someone not desire to enroll in the food cooperative we will still offer a monthly food distribution.  Union Mission is open Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.   The public is welcome to join in this innovative food distribution opportunity.