Helping for help’s sake – Commodities offer hope in hard months

MORAN — Lois and George Payne, along with USDA Commodities, are here to help; and “help” is a term with a wide range of possibilities.
The Paynes are in charge of the commodity food program at Hope Chapel, east of Moran. Once a month they provide meals to those in need, serving people across Bourbon and Allen counties. For those who qualify — they must prove their low-income level or be using food stamps or Medicaid — the meals can be a lifesaver in hard times.
“I love helping people, the rewards are great,” Lois said. “Sometimes a smile and a hug is better than gold. This is my mission.”
The headquarters for the commodity program is in a small building the church members call the Blessing Center. Their pantry is refilled every month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The main office of the program is in Chanute, under the direction of Susan Mitchell. Lois said they receive a list from the regional office, and then pick the food up in Fort Scott.
Both George and Lois said they don’t feel like people take advantage of the program; they are truly in need. They serve people both young and old, who are on hard times for a multitude of reasons, whether it be health-related or economy-related.
“If you come in and say you need food, I don’t judge you,” Lois said. “I take you at face value, that’s what Jesus would do.”
It’s a job that takes a certain amount of trust, but the Paynes have plenty of trust to give.
“Our arms are open and they are welcome, without fear,” George said. “It’s not about drawing people to the church, it’s about helping the needy.”

FOR THOSE interested in partaking in the USDA Commodities program, the Paynes said all people need to do is show up.
They have taken people of all situations, as long as they qualify for the guidelines. The food is distributed on the third Saturday of each month, from noon to 1 p.m.
The number of people the Paynes help varies from month to month, Lois said. Sometimes they will help 20, sometimes they will help as many as 45. Each person gets a “fully loaded” sack of groceries. During the holidays Lois said the sacks were a little bit larger than usual.
In addition to food, the Blessing Center has a few beds for people to use if they do not have a place to stay.
“We are flexible on all of the kinds of stuff,” George said. “We’re not here to turn anyone away.”
They have housed missionaries, pastors, transients and people who have lost their home.
“We’ve had people come off the highway and stay so they could get warm,” Lois said. “You never know who you are going to touch.”

FOR MORE information about the USDA Commodities program, go to  www.commodityfoods.usda.gov. Anyone interested in taking part in the Hope Chapel program, or in assisting, can call Lois Payne at 620-202-1958.