A new drive-through food distribution arranged at Orchard Hill Church on Walker Avenue aims to fill a need for those in need. And it kicked off its efforts just this past weekend.

The church intends to offer a food distribution for those in need from 9 to 11 a.m. every final Saturday of the month in its parking lot.

There’s no need for an appointment or registration, which is noteworthy because it’s one less barrier for people to knock down on the way to receiving help they need.

Rather, people can show up the day of the distribution and simply must fill out a page of basic information for the food bank.

Saturday marked the church’s first event, and the showing did indeed point to a need in the community.

Boxes given out at the event included items like canned fruits and vegetables, non-meat protein like beans, a grain product, shelf-stable meat, some sort of meal like canned meatballs, and spaghetti. Some boxes also would include baking mixes and cereals.

“We’re happy to meet the need where there is one,” said Pastor Brady Randall.

In a Butler Eagle article published last Wednesday, Randall recalled a conversation with another local religious leader.

That other leader had told Randall that there was more need in Butler County than was being met.

Rather than watch that need go unfilled, Randall and the many volunteers at Orchard Hill Church took it upon themselves to fill the need.

Also noteworthy is the intention behind the timing of the monthly event.

Randall said Orchard Hill is staging its food distribution on the last Saturday of every month because people are more in need at the end of the month, as their money and groceries run out.

It’s great to see volunteers step up to take care of their neighbors, particularly those in need.

We thank the church and its volunteers for stepping up to the plate.

– TAL