A bountiful harvest

Story and photos by Beth Donze | CLARION HERALD

On Nov. 20, volunteers from the Edmundite Social Mission ministry at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans distributed 370 bags of holiday provisions to clients of St. Peter Claver’s community food pantry. “They may have to purchase a few more items, but their Thanksgiving meal is mostly accommodated,” said parishioner Sylvia Bloom of the bags lining numerous long tables in the former school cafeteria. The offerings included macaroni and cheese, stuffing, butter, milk, cranberry sauce, green beans, peas and corn, as well as fresh produce such as apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, potatoes, onions and cabbage. Turkeys were provided by the non-profit God’s Humble Service; all other items were purchased and assembled by the Edmundite Social Mission group, whose members assist at the pantry throughout the year. The food was blessed by Father John Asare-Dankwah, pastor of St. Peter Claver Church.