Bethlehem Center of Visalia Continues To Safely Feed Those Most In Need During the COVID-19 Outbreak

 

 VISALIA CA – MARCH 15, 2020 - The Bethlehem Center, located in Visalia, California, continues it’s primary purpose, providing meals and pantry boxes for individuals and families in need in Central California. “It has never been more important to be here for those most in need” says Father Alex Chavez, the Pastor of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish.  The center is an outreach of the Parish.  “We provide meals and boxes full of grocery items for those below the poverty line, critically poor, and those in transition.”

 

Under normal circumstances, the Center provides a hot breakfast each weekday and a daily hot nutritional meal at the lunch hour. Effective immediately, the Center will provide nutritious sack meals that can be picked up.  “We are following the guidelines of the CDC and not allowing those taking part in our meals to congregate in groups” said Henry Medina, the Director of the Center. “We continue our mission providing food to those most in need, in the safest of environments. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and those that receive our food are paramount.”

 

No charge or donation is required to receive food. The Center welcomes donations of food from area farmers and food manufacturers.  Grocery stores also support the efforts to provide for those less fortunate. “This is a mission of mercy” added Fr. Alex. “we can’t operate without the generosity of our local community of growers, farmers, individuals and businesses.”

 

Breakfast is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.  Lunch is available daily from Noon until 1:00 p.m.  Pantry boxes are available each weekday from 12:45 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Pantry boxes are limited to one box each week per recipient.

 

The on-site Thrift Store has been closed in compliance with the CDC guidelines.  Plans are to reopen towards the end of March, or until further notice. The small staff remains employed.

 

The Bethlehem Center is located at 1638 N Dinuba, Visalia, CA 93291.  For more details and information, please visit bethcenter.org.

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