First Christian Church grocery helps more Warren County families in need

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — As the cost of groceries, rent and other necessities continues to put pressure on families, a local church is helping make sure people in need have a place to turn.

The First Christian Church Community Grocery, located at 1106 State St. in downtown Bowling Green, provides food assistance to Warren County residents twice a week.

Jean Secrest, coordinator and chairman of the community grocery, said more families are seeking help compared to this time last year.

“Some people have lost their jobs due to cutbacks,” Secrest said. “Some of the people are working, and they just can’t make ends meet with the cost of what gasoline and grocery and rent is.”

The community grocery is open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Anyone who lives in Warren County and needs food assistance is welcome. Secrest said the grocery does not require verification of income or housing.

Rather than receiving a pre-selected box of food, shoppers can choose from the items available based on their family’s needs.

The grocery offers canned vegetables and fruit, proteins, starches, dairy products, fresh produce, meat, bread and other food items. Families can visit once every 30 days if they need assistance.

The grocery typically serves between 50 and 90 families each week. Family sizes range from one person to as many as seven or eight people.

Most of the food comes through Feeding America, while Panera Bread provides a weekly bread donation. The grocery also relies on food and monetary donations to help purchase and provide items to families.

Secrest said canned soups, canned vegetables, fresh produce and dairy products are among the items that are always needed.

Volunteers are also critical to keeping the grocery operating.

Secrest said 10 to 15 volunteers recently helped unload a Feeding America truck, stock shelves and organize food for future distributions. Typically, six to 10 volunteers work during each community grocery shift.

Secrest said the grocery is seeing both returning families and people seeking assistance for the first time.

Some people only need help for a short period while they get back on their feet.

“We had someone this morning that had just gotten a job, but they don’t start till tomorrow, so no paycheck yet,” Secrest said.

For anyone who may be hesitant to ask for help, Secrest said there is no judgment.

“There’s no judgment here because all of us at some point have a tough time,” Secrest said. “We’ve all been there and we want to be there to be able to help you, to get through it.”

Secrest said the grocery’s goal is to make life a little easier for families and ensure they have food on the table.

“You are welcome to come. We are here for you,” Secrest said. “This is our purpose, to be here in order to make your life a bit easier, to make sure that you and your family are fed.”

Anyone who needs food assistance, wants to donate food or money, or would like to volunteer can contact First Christian Church at 270-843-3191.

The church is located at 1106 State St. in Bowling Green.