Slideshow image

Serving People Across Neighborhoods (SPAN) is an ecumenical community outreach program which was started by several Severna Park faith communities in 1990. Since then, SPUMC has supported SPAN with contributions of food, finances, and volunteers. We believe that those in need of emergency assistance should be helped with respect and dignity, and we work with SPAN to ensure that happens. SPAN provides assistance for utility bill cutoff notices, eviction notices, and prescription drug support. SPAN also has a food pantry on site. SPUMC folks can support SPAN through their monetary offerings to the church or by donating needed food items. A portion of each yearly SPUMC Missions budget is donated to SPAN.

We encourage you to turn your grocery shopping trips into service opportunities by adding a few food items to your cart for SPAN. Non-perishable food donations can be left at SPUMC in the “Go Out in Faith” corner of the Fellowship Hall in the baskets marked SPAN. During summer months, consider sharing produce from your garden by dropping it off at SPAN located at 400 Benfield Road (behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church) between 10:00 and 2:00 on Monday to Thursday. For more information, contact Barbara or call SPAN at 410-647-0889.

In January of 2019, a VIM Team from SPUMC provided a major kitchen renovation for SPAN over the MLK holiday weekend. Our Youth’s annual Souper Bowl of Caring outreach also regularly supports SPAN. For more than 10 years generous volunteers have filled about 300 Reverse Advent bags of food and other needs for SPAN during Advent in addition to weekly donations throughout the year.

Food Needed on a Regular Basis

Peanut Butter, Jelly, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Canned Vegetables, Fruits, Meats (Chicken/Tuna/Ham), Soups, Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce, Beans, Beef Stew, Juices, Boxed Potatoes, Rice, Pastas, Gravy Mixes

A current list of needed items can be found in the Bulletin and eNews each week.