The Gleaners: Giving More Than Food to the Working Poor
"The garden benefits BCS because we teach families how to garden for themselves while also providing fresh, organic food to the warehouse," says Angela. "This goes along with the philosophy of empowerment. Portland is such a foodie culture, but rather than pay high prices for organic foods, people learn to grow them themselves."
The Teaching Garden has also become a way Angela and her family can serve the city. "We have resources, we have land and gardening skills. We wanted a way to give and serve Portland, and now we have found it," says the mother of four.
BCS's sustainable model has attracted attention. In September, the organization was featured on the NBC Nightly News broadcast. Days later, a local news station followed suit. As a result, BCS has received many emails and calls from those who want to replicate what they are doing in their own cities. "We've always been open to replicating what we do, but we've been too busy to give it serious consideration," says Barry.
In 2008, Oregon senator Ron Wyden toured the warehouse and met with Barry, Suzanne, and the board. Visibly impressed, he asked, "How can I help you?"
They explained that if Wyden could provide a grant for them to buy the warehouse, it would reduce their overhead to free them to apply finances and time elsewhere. They explained that they had applied several times for the senate appropriation grant, without success.
"That's because you're not broken. This thing runs too good," said Senator Wyden. "Where I come from, it takes 10 people to sharpen a pencil."
Seizing the opportunity, Barry and Suzanne told Wyden not only what they needed to make BCS more efficient, but a plan that would help families throughout the state: "If you give us $3 million to buy this warehouse, we can help replicate this program all over Oregon."
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Jane Carter
We have benefited from BCS for 9 years and it has kept us afloat thru several ups and downs - financially, emotionally and spiritually. I feel connected as family there, working with so many others to create and maintain something much bigger than could be done if we all just work singly within our own families. I know there would be no way I could be a stay at home mom homeschooling my 4 kids and volunteering in other positions if it wasn't for BCS. :)
Rick & Debbi Teeny
We are very proud of the way Barry and Suzanne have kept the faith and lived out Christ in their approach to helping others. They have been great role models in living out the Christian faith. We will continue to support BCS and give product and financial help as long as Christ is the center of the giving. Great job Barry and Suzanne, Teeny Foods is very proud to be a partner with you. In Christ!
Pam Hogeweide
@Lew, well Barry did end up saying that it was probably just as well that Wyden didn't come through for them, as there likely would have been governmental strings attached that would have made it difficult. In the end, things are working out for BCS without govt aid as things historically have always worked out for them.
Tim Childs
All charity really boils down to those who have, giving to those who don't have; it's as simple as that. Leave all the dogma out of it, and think to yourself: "if we were poor and struggling, how would we like to be treated?" You all know the answer. We can all do more to help the poor and genuinely needy!
heather n joe p
Amazing chritstian based place to go n start ur day with prayer with other peole that believe in our powerful awesome God! This place was wonderful we'd still b involved if we didn't feel like others might b needing it more. Definately a blessed place!
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