Our "Strengthening Families" network (SFN) is one of the core missions of our church. Church is more than just a meeting or a religious institution. Christianity is real and relevant. God establishes His church so that the kingdom of God would be established within our community.  Our church is committed to helping to 'strengthen families' in the city of Townsville. We believe that God helps us to connect together in real, practical ways - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The SFN was established to relieve families of the pressure of increasing (yet necessary) financial strains. 
 

How Does It Work?

first we get the food...

At this time the church has sourced local institutions (like "Tribe of Judah (Mackay)" and local bakeries) to source groceries that people use every week. As a 'not-for-profit' organization, we also have several people who donate their personal produce.  
 
MOST of this food has passed its 'best before' date. This should not be confused with an 'expiry date'. The food after its 'best before' date has six months before it expires. We have several people who are sampling the food to make sure that none of it is uneatable. Some of the food has been incorrectly labeled or the packaging has been dinted. Any produce that is donated, like eggs or meat, is within the best before date. 
 
Our fruit and vegetables are purchased fresh every week. 
 

...then we give it to you.

We then give this food to people who present themselves to the distribution centers. To keep the organization afloat financially, we have a nominal "handlers fee"  that covers the rent of our building, fuel, administration, and packaging.  As a general rule families can save up to 90% of a food bill. For example, you can get a parcel of food for a handling fee of $25 that contains $80-$120 worth of food. Any profit made above the expenses of the network go into the various ministries and programs we have to help families. 
 

Wednesday Distribution Centers

9am-11:30am & 4.30pm-6.00pm 
Townsville City Church, 12 Burnda Street, Kirwan 
 
 
 

What Do I Get At SFN?

We have a wide variety of groceries that families can use every week. However, because the food is either purchased on special or donated it can vary. In the past few weeks we have handed out...well here's some of the things... 
 
 
...the list just keeps on going... 
 
But SFN is more than just a place to get food and household items. We also offer budgeting help, mentoring on debt reduction, marriage advice, mediation, relationship guidance, support in finding employment and life coaching. We have a strong prayer and visitation network as well. If you have a need and would like someone to visit you or pray with you contact us. 
 
Naturally our resources are limited. However we will endeavor, to the best of our ability to help you any way we can. 
 

How Do I Join?

To receive  the benefits of S.F.N. you don't have to join.  
 
You can simply contact our office if, and when, you need our help.  
 
The parcels of food and household items are available to pick up every week.  
 
HOWEVER, every week we have been given an additional (but limited) supply of some items (these are our 'specials') AND some weeks we don't have enough volunteers available on that Wednesday and we move it to the Thursday.  

If you would like to know what these are, simply sms your name, mobile number and 'sfn' to 0432 524 452 then we can send you a weekly sms-news text.

There is no cost or hidden fees in this subscription. To discontinue, simply send your name, mobile number and 'stop sfn' to 0432 524 452. This number is not used for any marketing or given to 3rd parties. This should keep you up-to-date every week of anything that is happening on the sfn. 
 

Pre-orders Now Available

You can pre-order your parcels every week. Just simply submit your order to our staff before 3pm Friday and we will hold your parcel for you on the Wednesday. Here is some things you should know... 
 
 
 

finally

There are a couple of things you should know...