Bishops Storehouse average order and welfare assistance instructions

12 July 2016

Bishops,

I congratulate you. All of you are very prudent about using the Lord’s food assistance program via the Bishop’s Storehouse.

I receive a report each month from the Bishop’s Storehouse showing me how many orders are placed and their value. The needs vary significantly. For instance, the number of food orders vary from one ward generating a total of 14 orders up through May of this year and another ward only two orders in all of 2016 so far.

So it’s not wise to compare between wards. 

It’s also not fair to compare the average value per order because the family dynamics and demographics of those receiving assistance vary dramatically. But I’m going to list for you the average value of food orders for each ward so far in 2016 just to give you an idea of how we’re doing in our stake. 

If this is hurtful in any way, please let me know and forgive me. My hope is this will give you some perspective on how you’re doing in relation to others. In my opinion, all of you are doing great and are being very prudent in your judgment…for which I am most grateful.

Average food order value thru May 2016:

Damascus - $108

Estacada - $191

Powell Valley - $220

Sandy River - $166

Tickle Creek - $121

Walters Hill - $224

If any of you were into the $300 average per order, I’d be concerned. But you’re not even close. Thank you again for being wise stewards of the Lord’s funds and commodities. Please pass along my thanks to your ward Relief Society presidents and others you’re involving in placing these orders.

May I remind you that it’s appropriate for you to involve members of the Ward Council in creating and holding accountable service opportunities for those who receive assistance. You are not breaking confidence by using the Ward Council to administer welfare assistance. If helpful, please explain this to the members when counseling with them about receiving assistance.

Also, please be careful that we don’t appear to be like other institutions giving handouts freely. All who receive Church assistance, either financially or with commodities, should be expected and held accountable to give some measure of service so they accept the assistance with dignity and have a way to express gratitude (confidentially) for the generous offerings of fellow members.

Gratefully,

President Lewis