A local food ministry is holding a large food distribution event Friday and you can be a part of the do-good day.

The Samoan Independent Full Gospel Church and the Lemon Grove Lutheran Church, partners in the program that helps feed the hungry, hold the county’s largest food distribution twice each month. Food provided from the federal government and the generous community is gathered and distributed to those in need. The Samoan congregation pays for a large portion of the food, which they buy in bulk from supermarkets at a discounted price.

People will start lining up outside the church by sunrise come Friday morning and volunteers will arrive at 7 a.m. to bag and organize the donated food. Handouts begin at 9 a.m. and continue through noon.

Both churches are of modest size, about 50 people each. Delivery costs for the church are budgeted at  $10,000 (some food is delivered to homes on Thursday before the distribution) and finding money for the event from tithes and offering has become difficult. The churches are asking for some help from the community.

With the recession taking a hit on everyone, the church says the line has increasingly grown. While the first Friday food distribution of every month is restricted to just Lemon Grove residents, this week’s event is for everyone in the county and is expected to draw about 600 people.

Lemon Grove Lutheran Church and Samoan Independent Full Gospel Church are accepting public donations to help cover costs for this charitable event. Money can be put toward the delivery and food budget and this community service can continue.

If you’re interested in donating to help the hungry residents of San Diego and Lemon Grove, contact the Lemon Grove Lutheran Church treasurer David Chell at dchell@cox.net or Samoan Independent Full Gospel Church Pastor Ula Tausaga at sifgcut@yahoo.com.

You could also volunteer your time to help assemble and distribute the bags and give back to your community.