The Laker/Lutz News

Foggy Ridge Parkway

Church adds food pantry to help those in need

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When Father and Son Love Ministries launched a summertime lunch program last year, its only aim was to share food with those needing it — with no strings attached.

Now, the church — tucked away in a commercial office plaza at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz — has branched out.

In addition to serving free bag lunches, it also has a free food pantry.

Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., and Assistant Pastor Ken Waters volunteer in a ministry that aims to spread hope by sharing food with those in need. (B.C. Manion)

Again, no strings attached.

The food ministry operates on Fridays, from noon to 3 p.m. and on Sundays, after 11 a.m. (Note: It will be closed July 5, for the Fourth of July holiday).

Red and white signs — one posted at Foggy Ridge Parkway and State Road 54, and another closer to the storefront church — let passersby know about the food ministries.

The word hasn’t circulated widely yet, but there were some folks at the food pantry last week, accepting the church’s help.

Last week, an elderly woman was there, with a friend, to do a little “shopping.”

Becky Morrow, a church volunteer, led the woman around tables stocked with breads, pastries, canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, pastas, rice and other foods.

Those in need are welcome to come to a food pantry ministry, operated by Father and Son Love Ministries. There are fruits, vegetables and frozen meats available.

The woman, who was using a walker, let Morrow know which items she would like, and Morrow packed it up for her.

As the woman and her friend prepared to leave, another volunteer Carolyn Curtis, told the elderly woman: “Blessings, blessings, blessings to you.”

Pastor C. J. Johns Sr., who launched the lunch ministry a year ago, said the church simply wants to help people.

The pastor said the lunch program “sort of morphed” and then, “one thing led to another.”

Tampa Bay Harvest is now the food ministry’s main supplier. Publix and Publix GreenWise donate bread, pastries, fruit and other items.

Church members and other contributors provide money to help stock the pantry.

Terry Gonzalez, who also goes by the name Maria, is one of the volunteers at the food pantry ministry. Those coming for a free lunch at the church will find that it isn’t stingy with the turkey in its turkey sandwiches.

And, just like the free lunch program, there’s no paperwork to fill out. No IDs are required, either, the pastor said.

“We want to give people hope in human beings, again,” Johns said.

The only requirement is to say how many people the recipient needs to feed.

“You’ve got four people, we want to make sure you have enough for four,” Johns said. The church wants to help as many people as it can, that are in need.

It relies on the honor system, for recipients to be truthful.

A little while later, after the elderly woman left last week, a couple arrived, with their granddaughter.

They were there to pick up food for two families: A family of three and a family of four.

As they made their rounds around the tables, volunteers helped to fill their boxes.

Food pantry volunteer Carolyn Curtis said she enjoys being involved. ‘I am blessed to be part of this.’

Pastor Johns asked the woman: “Do you need some milk?”

She responded: “We could always use milk. We could take a cow home with us.”

The pastor went into the church’s kitchen, got a gallon of milk and handed it to the woman.

“It’s a wonderful thing that you’re doing,” the man remarked.

“To God be the glory,” replied Curtis, who said she enjoys helping.

“I am blessed to be part of this,” Curtis said. “With all of the challenges that people have today, they should not have to worry about feeding their family.”

Besides fruits and vegetables, and other staples, the food pantry also offers coleslaw, potato salad, eggs, egg salad and frozen meats, although the selection varies from week to week.

Assistant Pastor Ken Water said, “We give them enough food to last at least a week and a half, to help them out.

“We’re still not asking for anything. Just come in, and be in need.”

For the free lunches, church volunteers prepare bag lunches, which include a turkey sandwich or a peanut butter sandwich. They also have bottled water and a dessert.

Sean Saylor, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, is what the church calls “a delivery angel” — carting boxes of food to people who need help, but can’t get to the church.

Canned goods are among the items being offered to help feed families and individuals, at the free food pantry.

Maria Gonzalez, who also goes by the name Terry, is another volunteer. She was at the pantry recently, preparing bag lunches.

The Wesley Chapel woman pointed out that the ministry doesn’t skimp on the amount of turkey it puts in its sandwiches.

To prove her point, she went to the kitchen and pulled one of the sandwiches out of the refrigerator.

“It’s a hearty sandwich,” she declared. “ Seriously. Usually you see like two little slices (of turkey).”

Linda Wright, another volunteer, became familiar with the church a year ago, when she brought her son and daughter-in-law in to pick up some bag lunches.

The Lutz woman was so impressed by the church’s kindness and warmth, she joined the church and got involved.

“There’s no other service like this, in this area, and there’s a lot of people who need this service,” Wright said. “I believe in everything this church does for everybody. So, I’m here to help do it for them.

“The slogan of the church is ‘Changing the world, one person at a time.’ And, we’re doing it,” Wright said.

Feeding the hungry
What: Father and Son Love Ministries’ food pantry and lunch program
Where: 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz (Off State Road 54, behind car dealership and car wash)
When: Fridays, noon to 3 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This church ministry offers free lunches, as well as fruits, vegetables, staples and other groceries from a free food pantry, for those in need.
Info: Call (813) 383-8410.

Published July 03, 2019

Local groups help federal workers

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Organizations around the region are stepping up to help, as workers and their families struggle during the nation’s longest partial federal government shutdown.

The help has come in various forms.

“The key is to take off some of the pressure from these folks (so they can) worry less about where their food is coming from,” explained Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector of Pasco County.

Adele Richoll packs paper bags with food at Father and Son Love Ministries on Jan. 18. Her organization is one of many that are providing help to federal workers who have been furloughed, or are working without pay, during the partial federal government shutdown. (Brian Fernandes)

The federal government partially shut down on Dec. 22, in the midst of a budget battle between President Donald Trump and members of congress, over funding for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Over the past weekend, Trump offered a deal that would include money for the border wall, while granting some immigrants protection for three years. But, Democrats were not moved by Trump’s offer.

The impasse affects about 800,000 federal employees, including some who are not working during the shutdown, and others who are working without pay.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one group of federal employees who are working without pay.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano was inspired to specifically help those troops.

The five branches of the county’s tax office intends to distribute donations to the troops and their families.

“Mr. Fasano supports our men and women in uniform,” Giordano said. “He wanted to do something to show that this community is behind those individuals.”

On Day 1 of collections, Tom Kliebert was at the tax collector’s office to offer support.

“I’m always looking for things I can do to help out the military,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I really appreciate what they do to protect our country.”

The Wesley Chapel resident went directly to the grocery store to purchase donations when he learned online about the tax collector’s effort.

Debby Palmer, also of Wesley Chapel, received the notification through email and also wanted to help.

“I feel like I’ve been very blessed in my life, so I try to contribute where I can,” she said.

She brought in four bags of groceries to her local tax office.

Tom Kliebert wasted no time buying and donating food to his local tax office in Wesley Chapel. His contribution is one of many that will go toward members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. (Courtesy of Greg Giordano)

he tax collector’s five branches began collecting donations on Jan. 16 and accumulated more than $2,300 in cash, 91 bags of groceries and more than a dozen gift cards within the first two days. (For addresses of branches, go to PascoTaxes.com).

“Obviously this has touched a nerve in the community,” Giordano said. He characterized the community’s generosity as being “incredible.”

Father and Son Love Ministries, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz, also is offering a helping hand.

Pastor C.J. Johns heads the Lutz church, which has opened its doors to federal workers and their families every Friday.

Church staff and volunteers, from noon to 3 p.m. on Fridays, will give out bagged lunches, plus supplies of food for a week, for those requesting it.

The church also understands that some families won’t be able to afford to drive to the church, so it is willing to deliver food boxes to homes if they provide 48 hours’ notice, the pastor said.

Before the shutdown, the church was already operating a food drive and now has prepared for a larger turnout.

“We’re committed to helping our community,” Johns said. “It’s a need that has risen, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help ease the turmoil.”

Publix has supported the church’s efforts, Johns said, noting the grocery chain recently donated surplus items from the holidays.

Besides providing food, the church also offers free clothing and personal hygiene items.

It also understands that children need relief, too, so the church will make toys, birthday cakes and cupcakes available, the pastor said.

The church plans to keep the drive open 30 days after the government reopens to help workers get back on their feet.

Restored Hope, at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, also is committed to assisting federal workers for as long as necessary.

The nonprofit organization welcomes workers to stop by its center on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Federal employees are asked to bring identification or their last pay stub to verify their status.

The organization’s pantry room is filled with nonperishable items and clothing.

Many items were leftover donations given by Metropolitan Ministries over the holidays, said Doreen Kennard, bookkeeper of Restored Hope.

Knowing there was surplus in storage, she thought: “Perfect timing, we’ll offer it to the government employees.”

Kennard added that the organization will do what it can to help workers pay past due bills.

During the federal government shutdown, Pasco County Utilities also is working to help federal employees, who are also PCU customers, develop an action plan to ensure continuation of services.

Pasco County Utilities will waive late fees and provide extensions for utility bills due by any federal employee who is on furlough or is required to work without compensation, as long as supporting documentation is provided.

Customers in need of assistance should call (813) 235-6012 during regular business hours.

Other acts of kindness can be seen throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Tampa Bay Salvage, at 37832 Meridian Ave., in Dade City, is accepting donations of food and personal hygiene items at its Dade City and Palm Harbor offices.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering pet food to support furloughed workers who have pets. The donations are available on weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Verification is required.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is connecting federal employees of Tampa International Airport with community resources.

Feeding Tampa Bay also has set up a food bank for TSA workers, and TECO is offering payment extensions on electric bills.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will also offer a day of relaxation with one free admission to federal workers.

These organizations are providing help to federal workers who are either off the job, or not being paid during the partial federal government shutdown:

  • Pasco County Tax Collector Offices (Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey); Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Restored Hope, 13703 17th St., Dade City; Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (352) 437-4815.
  • Father and Son Love Ministries, 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz; Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Call (813) 846- 9993.
  • Tampa Bay Salvage, 37832 Meridian Ave., Dade City; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (352) 437-5231.
  • The Florida Aquarium is offering one free admission to federal workers with identification.
  • Pasco County Utilities will help customers that are federal employees who are not receiving pay, or are furloughed, to ensure continuation of services. Documentation is needed. Those needing assistance should call (813) 235-6012.

Published January 23, 2019

Spreading a gospel of love through brown-bag lunches

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Sharing food with those in need has been part of the Father and Son Love Ministries since its inception, but now the Lutz church has branched out to create a free summer lunch program — with no strings attached.

The church is tucked away in a commercial office plaza, just off State Road 54, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway.

All families and children are welcome to come by the church on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., to pick up the free bagged lunches.

Assistant Pastor Ken Waters wears plastic gloves and a hairnet, as he prepares sandwiches for the Father and Son Love Ministries’ free summer lunch program.
(B.C. Manion)

The free Father and Son Love Ministries Summertime Lunch Program runs through Aug. 29, but will be closed on July 4.

Although the program operates just two days a week, the church provides multiple bagged lunches to help families to get from one distribution to the next.

For instance, a family with four or more children will be offered up to two lunches per child, per visit. A family with one to three children will be offered up to three lunches per child per visit.

Each lunch consists of a turkey or peanut butter and jelly sandwich; salad or fruit; cookies, doughnuts or pastry; and, a small bottle of water.

The program aims to send a message of hope to those in need, said Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., who said he felt spiritually compelled to launch the program this year.

“It’s hard for people to be knocked down and still feel dignity,” Johns said. “If you don’t have kids and you’re struggling, what do you do? You’re not lesser than because you don’t have money.

“We’ve turned into a society where if you don’t have an American Express card, you’re a throwaway. It’s ridiculous,” Johns added.

By reducing grocery bills for families, perhaps they’ll be able to pay for summer camps for the kids, go on some family outings, or do other things they enjoy during their summer break, Johns said.

At the very least, he added, it can take some pressure off families: “You don’t have to open a can of Spam every day.”

Assistant Pastor Ken Waters and his wife, Cheryl, typically arrive about an hour before the doors open, to begin preparing the sack lunches.

“We are making sure that these sandwiches are nice and fresh,” the assistant pastor said. “We try to make sure they get a healthy portion (of turkey),” he added, as he layered several slices of meat on two large pieces of bread.

Helping to feed those in need is more important than focusing on strategies to build church membership, said Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., who leads the Father and Son Love Ministries, a church at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway in Lutz.

Being involved in the ministry is rewarding, the couple said, adding that they hope those receiving the lunches will enjoy them.

The church covers most of the cost of the free summer lunch program, but Publix helps by donating bread and pastries every Sunday and Wednesday, the assistant pastor said.

The biggest problem so far is that there hasn’t been much traffic.

It’s been difficult to get the word out, Johns said.

He hopes that will change as the church does more outreach to food pantries, apartment complexes and other places where there may be people in need.

Those dropping by to pick up lunches aren’t required to listen to any type of preaching or to sign any paperwork, Johns said. “We don’t need names. ID. Social (Security numbers). They don’t ever have to see me again.”

And, when it comes to how many lunches are provided to a family, the church is operating on an honor system, the pastor added.

The free lunch program isn’t intended as a promotional tool for the church, Johns said.

The only information included in the bagged lunches is a flier listing the program’s days and hours of operation.

The idea is to be of service, and to perhaps serve as an example for others, Johns said.

“We need some boots on the ground. We need ministers who are going to be doing the servant’s work, of serving people,” he said.

In the pastor’s view, doing this kind of work is far more important than focusing on strategies to boost church membership.

He wants to spread a message that: “Maybe there is goodness in the world, maybe somebody does care.”

Assistant pastor Waters agreed it’s important work: “Walk the walk.”

Johns added: “People may think we’re crazy, but I believe we can change this world, one person at a time. I believe it. It’s not a slogan.”

What: Father and Son Love Ministries Summertime Lunch Program
Where: 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz
When: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. (through Aug. 29, except for July 4)
Cost: Free
Details: This church ministry provides free sack lunches, as an act of service to others, during the summer months.
Info: Call (813) 383-8410.

Published July 4, 2018

Merry Christmas, Florida: $2 gas is coming

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Georgia and Tennessee have gas stations where prices have fallen below $2 a gallon. And it looks like Florida might not be far behind.

Stations in the Jacksonville area reported prices of $2.10 over the weekend, according to AAA. And if prices keep falling at the current rate of 2 cents a day, that area will be at $2 a gallon by the end of the week.

“Gasoline prices are plunging with little sign of slowing down,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said, in a release. “Oil prices dropped for the fourth consecutive week because of increased oil production and low demand, and that’s keeping downward pressure on the price of gasoline. It is unclear exactly how low prices will go, but gasoline will keep getting cheaper as long as oil does.”

More than 89 million Americans are taking to the road this week, and when they do it, they will find the cheapest gasoline since May 2009, and the lowest Christmas prices since 2008, Jenkins said. On average, Americans are saving $13 for a tank of gas compared to this time last year, and if prices were to remain at these levels, households would save $550 next year, according to the Energy Information Administration.

“Plunging pump prices have boosted disposable income by more than 3.5 percent, which encourages Americans to travel,” Jenkins said. “AAA expects the highest number of travelers during the year-end holidays on record, which dates back to 2001.”

Florida prices were at $2.48 per gallon on average, down 12 cents from last week, and 35 cents from a month ago. Gas was 88 cents more expensive a year ago.

Although nowhere local has gas as close to $2 as Jacksonville does, many service stations are well below the state average.

In Land O’ Lakes, both the RaceTrac and the Hess station on the State Road 52 area reported prices of $2.35, according to GasBuddy, while the Sunoco on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard near Causeway Boulevard, reported the highest prices at $2.53.

In Wesley Chapel, Sam’s Club reported the lowest prices in the entire area at $2.24 on State Road 56. Four other stations were at $2.39, but well above the reported number from the high-volume retail store.

Lutz had gas prices ranging from $2.37 at Metro Gas on State Road 54 near Foggy Ridge Parkway, to $2.49 at three stations, including two near Van Dyke Road.

The cheapest gas in Zephyrhills is at the Marathon station on Eland Boulevard and Geiger Road with a reported price of $2.34. In Dade City, it was the Clark station at the lowest, with $2.33 per gallon on U.S. 301 near Long Avenue. The Chevron station on Fort King Road and Clinton Avenue was the most expensive, according to the website, at $2.45.