SANDPOINT — An emergency food distribution in early April was such a success, Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and 2nd Harvest decided they didn’t want to wait long to hold another.

The Sandpoint church and 2nd Harvest of Spokane are hosting an emergency mobile market on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until supplies run out. The event will be held in the parking lot of the church, rain or shine. Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is located at 1900 Pine St. in Sandpoint, across the street from the YMCA.

Last month’s new “drive-thru” format for distribution of the food worked well, Kessin Drews, Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church office manager, told the Daily Bee.

“It was very successful in getting the food to those who need it while minimizing exposure to those who attend and volunteers,” she said, adding Friday’s event will follow a similar format.

Participants are asked to enter through the Lincoln Avenue side of the parking lot and exit right onto Pine Street. Guests are asked not to arrive before 11 a.m., as it causes traffic and safety concerns, Drews said.

“Arriving early doesn’t help us, or the people receiving much-needed groceries,” she added. “Since everyone receives the same items, hurrying to be first in line just means a long wait and potential frustration. The best time to arrive is actually about 11:30, as the rush has gone down, all items are still stocked, and oftentimes this is when we realize we may be able to double up on some foods.”

During this time of financial strain and food insecurity for many, Drews said the event will bring free food to those in need within the community. Additional safety and sanitation steps are being taken by both staff and volunteers to ensure the risk is minimal to all who attend.

Recipients will not be asked to sign in or show any documentation. “They simply need to drive up to receive the groceries,” Drews said.

Unless supplies change, the expected distribution will include beef, produce, pantry items, bread and more.

The church is encouraging everyone to help spread the word to those who may be facing challenges feeding their families during this time.

The Sandpoint church has held food drives in partnership with 2nd Harvest on a regular basis for the past 10 years. However with the novel coronavirus causing economic hardship for many, the Spokane nonprofit “really stepped up to help the communities that they serve have access to nutritious foods,” Drews said.

Information: Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 208-263-7516

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.