Faith Christian Church launches "Spread the Love" PB&J van to feed children; seeks volunteers, donations and background-checked delivery teams

Pastor Terry Wise Hath of Faith Christian Church and volunteer Armida presented "Spread the Love," a volunteer-driven program that will prepare and deliver free after-school peanut-butter-and-jelly sack meals to children in food-insecure areas of Lima.

Armida said the program aims to serve about 100 sack meals per week and will launch with a van-operated distribution model that organizers described as similar to an ice-cream truck, playing a signature song to alert children. Each sack will include a drink, applesauce, a treat and a sandwich. The organizers said they will start operations on Friday, Feb. 7, with an initial trial run of 60 sandwiches and hope to expand; they also mentioned a plan for a March trial of 20 sandwiches as part of scaling.

The presentation asked for two types of help: volunteers to prepare sandwiches using prepared kits (each kit makes roughly 60 sandwiches) and volunteers for van delivery teams. The delivery team roles—driver and sack distributor—require background checks. Organizers also asked for donations and said they maintain a Facebook page "Spread the Love Free PB and J Meals" with a link to an Amazon wish list for supplies.

Councilors thanked the presenters. Councilor Glenn announced a personal pledge of $500 and said he and his wife would donate to the program; other councilors and speakers encouraged churches, organizations and individuals to support the ministry. Council did not take formal action; the presentation was received as part of privilege of the floor.