ROCHELLE – The Rochelle United Methodist Church will be partnering with two non-profit organizations next Thursday to provide free food to families who need it most.  
On Dec. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m., The Rochelle United Methodist Church, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the Rochelle Area Community Foundation will come together to hand out free food in the church parking lot. The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be providing the food through its mobile food bank.
The type of food that will handed out is determined by what types of donations that the food bank receives, but it usually remains fairly consistent.

“There is usually some frozen food and nonperishables and then occasionally there will be one or two perishables that will be given out,” explained Lisa Smith, United Methodist Church communication director.
The food at the event will be handed out on a first-come first-serve basis while supplies last.
This is an event that has been hosted many times in the community, sponsored by different local organizations. There are no restrictions as to who can come and receive food, the only stipulation is that people need to be on hand to receive the food, the bank is unable to hold food for any individual or family.
The food bank also asks that recipients bring some sort of bag, box or container to carry the food when the leave.
“The only thing we ask is that people bring something to carry the food home with them, we just don’t have enough boxes to give out to everyone,” added Smith. “We have had people bring their laundry baskets and even a wheelbarrow once.”