Table of Grace Making Changes

To be invited at a table that is not yours, when you are hungry, is the definition of grace.

The challenge is to meet the needs of the community with limited resources.

The Table of Grace Food Pantry has operated on corporate and private donations. Much of that has changed with businesses changing how they process dated products. Donations from private sources are also down. As a result, Table of Grace is purchasing more essential food products instead of relying on donations.

"We are really in need of donations," said Director Sherri Eads.

In addition to donations, Table of Grace is seeking volunteers.

Table of Grace, 1125 Alvarado Road, Sidney, has added a program that is designed to help people and help support the Food Pantry. The Table of Grace Mission Store offers various clothes and household items priced at garage sale prices. Proceeds from the Mission Store support the Food Pantry.

"We moved here in July," Eads said.

According to an information sheet provided by the Table of Grace, "due to a large decrease in food donations and contributions, there will be major changes coming in June 2018 to the Table of Grace." Clients can only partake of the service one time in a 30 day period. The Table of Grace Food Pantry is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first, third and fifth Thursdays, and 5:30 to 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays.

Pre-registrations are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26 and May 29. Pre-registrations are at 1125 Alvarado Road. Registrations last for one year and are renewed yearly.

Clients will need to bring identification, including photo ID, to take part in the program. Photo ID can include a personal Driver's License, State ID, Passport, work ID, Housing Authority ID, or Tribal ID. Families also need a form of ID for other members of the family which may include a Social Security card, school ID, Medicaid card or letter or a birth certificate. Proof of address is also required. Proof of address can be mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days, an utility bill dated within the last 60 days or a lease. Additionally, the Table of Grace policy require the program only serves residents of Cheyenne County. Table of Grace cannot accept handwritten letters as proof of identification or address.

To participate under the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, a client with a household of one cannot have a monthly income of more than $1,782, $2,403 for a household of two, $3,024 for a household of three, and up to $4,887 for a household of six, and add $6234 per person above six.

Table of Grace is always accepting donations for the Mission Store and for the Food Pantry. They accept clothing, camping and sporting goods, furniture, knickknacks, toys and most anything of useable condition. Clothing must be clean and wearable.

"Everything from the Mission Store goes back to the Food Pantry," she said.

Mattresses are not accepted.

Table of Grace started about eight years ago. The Mission Store has been in operation for about two months.