This Saturday, August 15th, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Mercy Court's 12th Anniversary weekend includes a dedicated Community Outreach Day, and if you've never experienced it, here's what you should know: this isn't a once-a-year gesture. It's a small taste of something the church does every single week, all year long. We sat down with Bukola Daramola, Director of Community Engagement at RCCG Mercy Court, to learn what her team does, and why it matters, ahead of an anniversary weekend the whole community is invited to.
"Food security is a major milestone in the life of anyone," Daramola said. "There's a lot of factors needed in order to achieve it, and one of them is the ability to locate where food is."
That simple idea, that knowing where your next meal is coming from shouldn't be a mystery, is what drives a schedule that runs five days a week, rain or shine, anniversary week or any other week.
THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday: Community Food Share
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, in front of the church at 529 Walker Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212
Nothing is pre-packaged. "You come, you pick what you want, and you go with what you want," Daramola explained, describing a choice-based approach designed so people can get exactly what they need, without the discomfort of a fixed handout bag.
Tuesday: Senior Outreach at Woodland Gardens II
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Woodland Gardens II, 4701 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215.
Every Tuesday, the team leaves the church building entirely to meet seniors where they are, delivering food directly to residents of this senior living community and the surrounding area.
Wednesday: Bible Study and Food Share
Bible study runs 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, followed by food sharing from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, at the church
This slot exists specifically for people whose daytime schedules don't allow them to make the Monday or Thursday hours. "So many people that come to Bible study, and some other people that care, they needed food, and maybe they couldn't come down during the day because of their schedule," Daramola said. "They can also come toward that time to grab some food."
Thursday: Food Share and Food Pantry
Food sharing runs 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by the church's food pantry from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the church
Thursday is the ministry's biggest day, combining the same choice-based food share with an extended pantry window offering a wider range of items.
Sunday: After-Service Food Share
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, in the church foyer
As the congregation leaves service, the team is in the foyer sharing food, fresh greens, and vegetables with anyone who needs them, member or not.
MORE THAN FOOD
Asked Mrs. Bukola what the point of all this is, and it isn't really about groceries. It's about removing a barrier that keeps people from showing up in the first place. During anniversary week specifically, that idea takes on extra weight: the goal isn't just for people to experience the spiritual side of the celebration and go home worried about what's in the fridge. "They are also going back, not thinking about what to eat, what to cook, or how to go to groceries," she said.
That philosophy extends to the Saturday, August 15th Community Outreach Day, part of the full anniversary weekend schedule, when the same spirit of no-questions-asked generosity that runs every Monday through Sunday gets a spotlight of its own.
JOIN US FOR THE FULL ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
Community Outreach Day is just one part of a bigger celebration of the anniversary event. Here's the full lineup:
- Friday, August 14, 7:00 PM: "Better Things" Concert, a Tehillah Worship album launch featuring Tehillah Worship, Prospa Ochimana, and Ejay Harold. Doors open 6:30 PM.
- Saturday, August 15, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Community Outreach Day
- Saturday, August 15, 7:00 PM: Word and Prayer
- Sunday, August 16, 9:30 AM: Grand Finale service
Everything is free and open to everyone, no ticket, no RSVP, no church membership required. See the full schedule and directions.
GET INVOLVED OR GET HELP
If you or someone you know could use free groceries this week, there's no application, no eligibility check, and no appointment needed. Just show up during any of the windows above.
For questions, volunteering, or partnership inquiries, visit our Community Impact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free food in Baltimore?
Mercy Court, located at 529 Walker Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212, offers free food five days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at the church, and Tuesday at Woodland Garden senior residence. No sign-up or eligibility check is required.
Does RCCG Mercy Court have a food pantry?
Yes. The food pantry is open every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the church, in addition to the church's regular food-sharing hours earlier that same day.
Is RCCG Mercy Court's community outreach only for church members?
No. All of Mercy Court's food-sharing programs are open to the entire community, regardless of membership or church attendance.
How can I volunteer with RCCG Mercy Court's community outreach?
Visit Mercy Court's Community Impact page at mercycourt.org/community-impact to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
