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ENLARGE
Special to the LVN
Volunteers Denise Daltiaz, left, and Hap Hancock help clients as they move through the line.
The Out of Egypt food program operated by the Church of the Nazarene invites the public to attend its three-year anniversary at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
“I think a lot of people don't know what's going on over here,” said Pastor Paul Slaton. “It seems very significant that (almost) a million pounds of food would go through a church.”
The Out of Egypt program began when a different food program, Bread Basket, closed in 2006. To compensate the loss, church members began handing out food from the back of a pickup truck to about 20 to 40 families.
“We knew there would be a need, but never anticipated what that would look like down the road,” said Tammy Slaton, Paul's wife.
They had no idea they would grow to serve an average of 325 to 375 families from nine counties every week.
“I would say that God just developed that for us,” Tammy said.
The program has also grown to offer food in a unique way. Paul explained they do not merely hand out food because everyone won't want everything, so they set up items to be chosen.
“Ours is run differently,” Paul said. “We have perishable items … it's more of a shopping experience. They walk out with over $100 of food.”
They've also made efforts to offer food twice a week, every week.
“People come from Silver Springs and Fernley,” Slaton said. “The way we hand out food is more conducive for people to come.”
Once the program progressed, Tammy said they chose the name “Out of Egypt” after the Bible story in Exodus when God helps Moses lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.
“God has available to you deliverance from addiction or from some of those things that maybe put these people where they're at,” Tammy said.
The name represents the program and a ministry to the community, because the church offers a service prior to handing out food.
“We are concerned not only with your physical well being but your spiritual well-being,” Tammy said.
Tammy explained they do not require service attendance, but they make it available.
“There are a number of people who have approached us and said this is my church time,” Tammy said. “It has become more than just getting physical food. They want to be here for that service portion. I believe it truly is a ministry.”
Tammy said many who use the program later donate or volunteer.
“If they get something, they like to give something back,” Tammy said. “When their situation changed, they wanted to give back.”
Tammy said they are grateful because their generosity allows the program to succeed.
“We have, from the very beginning, just functioned on donations,” Tammy said. “We have never solicited donations from companies. God has just really provided in that way all the reserves we need.”
Volunteers and staff at the Church of the Nazarene want to share their progress with the community and celebrate by helping people in and around Fallon.
“They walk out with a good supply of food product,” Tammy said. “We have never had to turn anybody away.”
The Church of the Nazarene and Out of Egypt Program are at 1520 Grimes St., 423-3427.
“I think a lot of people don't know what's going on over here,” said Pastor Paul Slaton. “It seems very significant that (almost) a million pounds of food would go through a church.”
The Out of Egypt program began when a different food program, Bread Basket, closed in 2006. To compensate the loss, church members began handing out food from the back of a pickup truck to about 20 to 40 families.
“We knew there would be a need, but never anticipated what that would look like down the road,” said Tammy Slaton, Paul's wife.
They had no idea they would grow to serve an average of 325 to 375 families from nine counties every week.
“I would say that God just developed that for us,” Tammy said.
The program has also grown to offer food in a unique way. Paul explained they do not merely hand out food because everyone won't want everything, so they set up items to be chosen.
“Ours is run differently,” Paul said. “We have perishable items … it's more of a shopping experience. They walk out with over $100 of food.”
They've also made efforts to offer food twice a week, every week.
“People come from Silver Springs and Fernley,” Slaton said. “The way we hand out food is more conducive for people to come.”
Once the program progressed, Tammy said they chose the name “Out of Egypt” after the Bible story in Exodus when God helps Moses lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.
“God has available to you deliverance from addiction or from some of those things that maybe put these people where they're at,” Tammy said.
The name represents the program and a ministry to the community, because the church offers a service prior to handing out food.
“We are concerned not only with your physical well being but your spiritual well-being,” Tammy said.
Tammy explained they do not require service attendance, but they make it available.
“There are a number of people who have approached us and said this is my church time,” Tammy said. “It has become more than just getting physical food. They want to be here for that service portion. I believe it truly is a ministry.”
Tammy said many who use the program later donate or volunteer.
“If they get something, they like to give something back,” Tammy said. “When their situation changed, they wanted to give back.”
Tammy said they are grateful because their generosity allows the program to succeed.
“We have, from the very beginning, just functioned on donations,” Tammy said. “We have never solicited donations from companies. God has just really provided in that way all the reserves we need.”
Volunteers and staff at the Church of the Nazarene want to share their progress with the community and celebrate by helping people in and around Fallon.
“They walk out with a good supply of food product,” Tammy said. “We have never had to turn anybody away.”
The Church of the Nazarene and Out of Egypt Program are at 1520 Grimes St., 423-3427.
