Aliquippa church focuses on feeding neighbors in need
House of Prayer Lutheran Church has been focused on food outreach within the Aliquippa community for years. Their mission has really grown, and now they're rolling out a new method in the hopes of reaching even more people.
"As people of faith, we are called to make a change in the world and to care for our neighbor. Love God, love neighbor. That's what we're all about," explained Pastor Michael Sourwine.
The church, under Pastor Sourwine's leadership, has really focused on community outreach, specifically feeding the hungry in their neighborhood. They serve a free meal each week. They also have a free pantry and refrigerator on the grounds of the church for anyone in need, no questions asked. Now, their outreach includes a new food truck.
When he first arrived at the church more than a decade ago, Sourwine never would have imagined a food truck would be a part of his mission and message.
"We recognize that our community, like the local ones right around the few blocks here, they certainly have some need and folks come regularly," said Sourwine. "But those in the greatest need in the town here, they're not within walking distance."
The goal of the food truck is to take the food to those in need instead of people having to find a way to get to the church to get their food. According to Stephanie Murdoch with Healing Hunger Beaver County, House of Prayer's free pantry gives away about three tons of food monthly.
"About 6,000 pounds of food make their way through the church every single month," said Murdoch, "That shows you how great the need really is."
The Little Free Food Truck is still in its early stages, but Murdoch and Sourwine say the goal is to ultimately provide a daily service meal in a different neighborhood each day. Not only are they hopeful the food truck will help keep local families fed, but they hope it will help to nourish strong relationships within the community too.
"I hope our project helps people recognize the beauty that exists right next door to us and our communities," said Sourwine.
All of their outreach is done thanks to the work of volunteers, according to Murdoch. House of Prayer is always looking for volunteers or donations; if you'd like to learn more, click here.