From Feeding the Hungry to Building Friendships: The Lasting Impact of Metro Church’s Partnership with Easter Outreach

When Easter Outreach kicked off 15 years ago, church leaders knew it would feed hungry people. What they might not have realized was how it would change their ministry.

“When we first began participating in Easter Outreach years ago, it provided us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with and serve our neighbors in the East Falls community,” said Pastor Joshua Kim of Metro Church. “As a young church plant, we were eager to embrace our city and support those in need around us. Easter Outreach became the perfect opportunity to engage with our neighbors, listen to their stories, and serve them in a meaningful way during the Easter season.”

When Easter Outreach was started by Liberti Church Riverwards in 2010, some 100 meals were distributed. Later organized by the Rev. Vito Baldini of Liberti Church Center City, the outreach grew. By 2010, some 90+ churches were involved. Their people packed 10,000 boxes of food and fed 40,000 people an Easter meal.

Now, as the executive director of Small Things, a nonprofit food distributor, Vito continues to organize Easter Outreach. It feeds hungry people and gives churches a tangible way to connect with their neighbors.

“This initiative was just the beginning,” said Josh. “It sparked conversations that led to more opportunities and events designed to support families in our surrounding neighborhoods. Not only did Easter Outreach help grow our outreach ministry, but it also allowed our church members to live out the love of Jesus in a very real and tangible way with our neighbors. It was also a chance for us to partner with other mission-driven churches across the city, working together to make a lasting impact.”

After being part of Easter Outreach, Metro Church leaders decided to distribute food monthly – not just at Eastertime. The church even upped its game and now delivers much of the food. The result is a strong connection with their neighbors.

“Through Easter Outreach, we built strong relationships, trained our congregation to engage with the community, and gained the trust of our neighbors. This connection led to even more opportunities to serve throughout the year,” said Josh. “Today, thanks to Easter Outreach, Metro Church continues to serve our neighbors in meaningful ways, delivering groceries and essential household items every month while engaging in daily conversations to listen, pray for, and help where we can. What started as a simple outreach event has blossomed into real friendships, and we are no longer just neighbors to many in East Falls—we are true friends."

This year, Metro and 40+ other churches will be taking part in the 15th annual Easter Outreach in celebration of the Resurrection. In addition to handing out their share of 5,000 bags of food, the churches will serve snacks, offer activities for children, and host a prayer station as part of their Easter Celebration.