Outreach

Helping children and families feel supported, cared for, and fed.

“If you love me, feed my sheep.” — John 21:17

The Margie Stoner Feed My Sheep Backpack Program is a ministry of Ridgefield Community United Methodist Church dedicated to helping children and families experiencing food insecurity in our community.

What began more than a decade ago with just five children has grown into a ministry serving approximately 105 students each week. Today, Feed My Sheep partners with local schools and family resource staff to make sure children have access to nutritious, shelf-stable food to take home for the weekend.

Weekend Food Support

Each week, our volunteers gather, pack, and deliver food bags to participating schools. The bags are designed to provide supplemental food for children and families who may need a little extra support between school meals.

Our current program serves students throughout the Ridgefield School District and has expanded to include the La Center School District, helping us reach even more local children and families.

School counselors and family resource staff help identify students who could benefit from the program, allowing us to provide assistance with dignity and care.

More Than a Backpack

Feed My Sheep is growing beyond our weekly backpack program. We believe that caring for our community means creating opportunities for people to eat together, connect, and know they are not alone.

Beginning in September 2026, we are hosting a monthly Saturday Community Meal at Ridgefield Community United Methodist Church. These meals provide a free, welcoming place for families and community members to enjoy a meal, fellowship, games, and connection. We also offer grab-and-go take-along food items for families who may need additional support beyond the meal.

Powered by Our Community

Feed My Sheep is made possible because of the generosity of volunteers, churches, businesses, community organizations, foundations, and individual donors. It takes a community to feed a community. Whether you donate food, sponsor a meal, volunteer your time, or make a financial contribution, you are helping us make sure children and families know that their community cares about them.

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of Feed My Sheep:

• Sponsor a child in the weekly backpack program- Just $7 weekly feeds a child! 
• Donate food or supplies
• Sponsor a Saturday Community Meal- we have many sponsorship opportunities available! 
• Volunteer with packing, deliveries, meal preparation, or community meals
• Make a financial donation
• Partner with us as a church, business, organization, or community group

Together, we can help put food on the table, create community, and remind our neighbors that they are cared for.

If you love me, feed my sheep.