For over 60 years, Community Sharing Christian Center has served Oakdale by providing food, commodities, and care to hundreds of people in need. Currently, every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., grocery packages filled with various foods are handed out, allowing families and individuals access to a healthy and stable food source.
The items in the packages distributed can include canned or fresh vegetables and fruits, pistachios, meat, pasta, salsa, peanut butter and jelly, lentils, tomato paste, and macaroni and cheese, but the contents also depend on local donations. The food provided by Community Sharing Christian Center – more commonly known as Oakdale Community Sharing – is made available by various local grocery stores and companies. Save Mart, Raley’s, Grocery Outlet, Conagra, Frito-Lay, the Salvation Army, and Second Harvest donate items to the Community Sharing Christian Center.
Eligibility to receive food packages is based on annual income levels, with the following thresholds: $16,750 or less for a household of one; $19,150 or less for a household of two; $23,030 or less for a household of three; $27,750 or less for a household of four; $32,470 or less for a household of five; $37,190 or less for a household of six; $41,910 or less for a household of seven; and $46,630 or less for households of eight or more. However, Frank Ortiz, President of Community Sharing Christian Center, explained that “we don’t refuse anyone. If they come down to get food, they will get some.”
To receive their weekly package, families and individuals need to stop by the distribution, at 565 Center St., Oakdale, any Tuesday morning between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Those attending should bring proof of current income, whether that is a bank statement, W2, or social security statement, an ID for each family member, such as a medical card, birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, school ID, or passport; and current proof of a 95361 residency, which can be a utility bill or current piece of mail with a name and address.
Not only is Community Sharing Christian Center open on Tuesday with weekly groceries, but also on the first Thursday of every month, volunteers are there from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a commodities distribution for families. These commodities vary each month since nearly all the goods are provided by the Salvation Army for this particular program.
For the past four years, Community Sharing Christian Center volunteers been able to serve the community through its new facility, moving there from the old building on the same property. The program is staffed entirely by volunteers and closes only the week between Christmas and New Year; otherwise, they are there every Tuesday to help serve those in need.
Workers not only drive to pick up a variety of donated foods, they also staff the assembly line to coordinate the filling of the food bags and boxes, while others carry food to the cars for those in attendance.
Donations to help Oakdale Community Sharing continue its work are always welcome, whether it’s a $15 gift from someone or a larger donation from a local service organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Ortiz said they currently have a team of nearly 30 volunteers that take time out of their day to help serve the more than 200 local families that need some help with groceries each week.
To contact Community Sharing Christian Center about donating or volunteering, call 209-857-3401.
