Fort Worth-area church volunteers don gloves, masks to hand out tons of food at Easter
A line of cars stretched for an estimated two miles from the driveway of OpenDoor Church in Burleson early Sunday as people waited in line to get free food for Easter.
The church handed out 65 tons of food to anybody who came for it, spokeswoman Kyp Shillam said, enough for 2,000 people.
It’s become a common sight since the coronavirus outbreak reached Texas. The food bank ministry at OpenDoor Church has been operating for 30 years, and it often splits its time between Joshua and Walnut Springs.
Since the virus’ arrival in DFW, though, the more than 100 volunteers moved their operation to their campus in Burleson.
The global outbreak of coronavirus has led to economic troubles for many Americans, and Shillam said that adds necessity to the church’s mission.
The church handed out crates full of fresh meats, bananas, tomatoes, celery, broccoli, Hostess donuts, refried beans, fried pork rinds, bread, milk, Minute Maid fruit drinks, water and other fresh produce.
The food came primarily from partners of the food bank like Operation Blessing, the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Walmart, HEB and local grocers. Church members’ tithes and offerings also go to provide food.
Nobody who comes to OpenDoor Church for food has to do anything to prove they live in the area or have a need for the food. It’s there for everybody, Shillam said, and there’s no judgment for anybody who comes.
Troy Brewer, senior pastor for OpenDoor Church, said a lot of people come to collect food not just for themselves and their families but for neighbors and friends. The crate-loads of food each car gets gives them more than enough for that, he said.
Volunteers with the church also prayed with people and took communion with anybody who wanted.
Church members also have been going to the houses of members who are elderly or have disabilities or compromised immune systems to check on their needs, such as air conditioning and basic appliances, offering aid where possible.
All volunteers wore masks and most wore gloves to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
This story was originally published April 12, 2020 at 2:51 PM.