In as much as ye have done it unto another

"Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that
thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." Luke 18:22

I have had the privilege of working at Welfare Square in the Bishops Storehouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church is wholly self sufficient due to the monthly donations from members. Tithing funds are always used for the following purposes—to build and maintain temples and meetinghouses, to sustain missionary work, to educate Church members, and to carry on the work of the Church throughout the world. Welfare funds are generated from a different source. Once a month, on the first Sunday of the month, members fast for two consecutive meals and donate a fast offering, which should be at least the value of the two meals not eaten. It is more often the case that a more generous donation is made. The funds from fast offerings are used to fund the Welfare Program which is primarily to help those members who are on low or no income to feed their families. Outside of the USA or in places in the USA who do not have Bishops Storehouses the Bishop works with the Relief Society President to ascertain the need of the members in need. Following this assessment, the Relief Society President then takes the individuals in need to a local supermarket to purchase them the necessities they need for their family. Welfare is not for luxury items, however, emphasis is placed on a balanced and nutritious diet.

Bishops Storehouses are located in many places in the USA. Most of the food that is found in the storehouse is produced by the Deseret manufacturing plants, the Church's production label. The Church has farms, both arable and pastoral, orchards and many other sites of production around the world that feed into the Welfare program. The raw goods are shipped to Welfare Square, and other Deseret manufacturing sites and from these are produced cheese, bread, applesauce, pasta sauce and many other goods.

Once canned, the goods are distributed to Bishops Storehouses in the USA. Following an assessment by the Bishop and Relief Society President, the members in need take a form to the Bishops Storehouse which lists the exact quantities of specific items they are to receive. Once at the storehouse, a customer host works with the recipient to obtain the items required according to the assessment so that each receives only according to the needs required. Over 95% of the workers are volunteers who give of their time freely to support the Welfare Program. Some of the volunteers, of which a small number are not members of the LDS Church, are on welfare assistance and give of their time in return for the food and other necessities of life which they receive.

There are other branches of the Welfare Program that include LDS Employment Services, Humanitarian Aid Center, and Desert Industries, the non food side of the Welfare Program, which includes clothing and other home goods.

I have feel truly blessed by being able to serve at the Bishops Storehouse. I will have the opportunity to vary this work and to be able to work in the cannery and bakery in due course. The most simple of tasks, such as stacking shelves or restocking the fruit stand, is a contribution to the welfare effort and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve.