Economic hard times, the high cost of food, and winter underemployment do not have to mean hunger for Lopez Islanders.

The last Friday of every month, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., members of Grace Episcopal Church open the doors of the parish hall to distribute food through the Alternatives to Hunger program.

Anne Worley of the Grace Church Outreach Committee says the Church will be receiving an increased amount of nonperishable food from the U.S. Government in the coming months, and she hopes those who need it will avail themselves of it.

The Alternatives to Hunger program has one major advantage over the 24-hour food bank inside the church doors. Those shelves are usually restocked once a day with canned and packaged food collected by church and community members, but supplies are very limited and are shared among a number of people who drop in to get a few items. On the other hand, the Alternatives to Hunger program offers large quantities of nonperishables, and people can take as much as they need. Worley said the number of patrons ranges from one to two dozen a month, but she’s sure there are more Lopezians who could use the extra food. Some income restrictions may apply, but Worley encourages folks not to let that deter them.

“We want to get more people out,” she said. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s very user friendly! The people who come in are some of the nicest people on the island. It’s fun.”

The members of Grace Church will host a Harvest Dinner on Nov. 6, 6 p.m. for those who patronize the Alternatives to Hunger program. A reminder of the event will be posted on the Grace Church sign on Fisherman Bay Road.