Sharing the bounty

By Sara Wiercinski

On December 30th, the drive-through parking lot of the Lord of Love Lutheran Church at 8306 E. 171st St in Belton was as busy as Christmas Eve, thanks to a free fresh food giveaway provided by the Justice & Dignity Center.

“We know it’s hard for people right now, especially our senior citizens,” said Bishop Tony Caldwell, founder of the Justice & Dignity Center. “Some of them have to make the choice between eating and buying their medicine. We want to help with that choice.”

Volunteers handed out bags of fresh food, sized for a family, full of containers of sliced fruit, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, lettuce and pre-cut salad mixes. Most food recipients stayed in their vehicles on the cold morning.

Bishop Caldwell says his organization gives away food every other day, at varying locations around the city. He partners with farmers, stores and distributors. “We never really know what we’re going to get.”

That day, there was food for around 1,500 people. “A few trucks from food pantries pulled up, so we loaded them up with supplies,” said Bishop Caldwell. “A lot of our pantries are empty too.”

Bishop Andre Taylor also volunteered at the food drive. “My mission is for God to bless me, so I can bless someone else,” he said. “Under His leadership we can do a lot.”

The Justice & Dignity Center is located at 3114 The Paseo. In addition to addressing food insecurity, the center has a housing program, courses in conflict resolution and anger management, senior and youth programs, including the “Guns down, gloves up” boxing group. They also offer virtual reality therapy for those experiencing PTSD.

Learn more at justicedignitycenter.org.