News

Please meet our Mary McKinney who leads our little charity in East St. Louis and Washington Park, Illinois. Mary’s on our Board of Directors and also an Alderman. She rolls up and down the highway between St. Louis and thd East Side picking up our donations and building relationships with everyone she meets. We have 2020 vision to establish a food pantry on the East Side so Mary can effectively and efficiently serve her community.  We’re grateful for Mary and her family who give above and beyond. God bless you and your big servant’s heart.

We have been hosting a few pop up luncheons in Concow, California sharing love, laughter and great eats for the Campfire families. I know we’re covered as you can see by the Angel over us.

We have a friend that lives off the grid. He’s lost his home, vehicles and dogs in the fire. This young man made such an impact on me when we met him on Christmas day. I wanted to stop by again and say hey.  We delivered a blessing box of a spaghetti dinner. The look on his face was priceless as we pulled up to his burned out side of the mountain. He’s living without electricity, heat or water but this is home which is his castle. We prayed prosperity over his property and we know that God will honor our prayers. I thank everyone for suiting up and showing up as we lavished the fine folks of Concow in love.

We wish to extend a Happy New Year Blessing from our FEED MY PEEPS family to yours. FEED MY PEEPS is a faith based 501(c)3 charity serving in the Metro St. Louis Area and Northern California.  We offer a hand up, hope and hugs to those in need.  We don’t have a paid staff like the big guys.  We do have a dedicated family of volunteers that make the method to our madness happen.

SERVING IN ST. LOU:

We’re grateful to our donors in St. Louis who share with their overflow of food.  Nourish by Hollyberry, Campus Cuisine by Hollyberry at Westminster Academy, Specialized Catering and St. Louis Priory School have been faithful in blessing us with great eats.  We share with soup kitchens, group homes, police stations, fire houses and youth centers.  We’re passionate that food is not wasted.

FEED MY PEEPS started a movement called “Serving Saturday” on the streets of Downtown St. Louis years ago serving our homeless friends.  This has blossomed to serving hundreds weekly by several local groups.  We’re so proud of our Maria LoPiccolo Wilmas who was recognized by Stl Today as a 2018 Thanks for Giving Nominee.  Maria and her daughter Kelly love on the lost unconditionally.  It truly takes a village to serve those less fortunate.

Pastor Rebekka Smith is our beloved Vice President and leads a beautiful ministry in North City called Higher Heights.  Pastor and her family have been faithful in blessing our our large pickups and opening a fresh food market weekly in their church home for a neighborhood in need.  We’re currently seeking food donations due to a corporate change with one of our large donors.

SERVING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Tracey and I moved from the East Coast to the Northern California exactly one year ago.  We thought we came to Oroville Hospital on a three month temporary job assignment.  God had a much bigger plan. We’re the Outreach Pastors at a small church called Open Door in Oroville.  We’re committed  to sharing the Gospel to the displaced and homeless.  The harvest is ripe.  God holds us in the palm of his hand allowing us to be his vessel in prayer, healing and deliverance.  We also started fostering dogs case by case for our homeless friends calling this outreach FEED MY PUPS.

Please lift up the victims of the Campfire in Northern California.  Our region has been devastated.  We’re offering hope and a hand up to those who’s lives will never be the same.

God told me on a remote mountain top seven years ago in Kenya, Africa to FEED MY PEEPS.  I had no idea the magnitude and the call he had for us. God’s such a gentleman and opens our doors wide to serve his kingdom. We personally thank you for believing in our little charity that could.  We prayerfully ask that you consider sowing seeds with us.  It’s a blessing to bless others.  Please click on the ORANGE DONATE button on this website.  God bless you for your prayers and support. You can’t out give God.

Blessings and Love,

Tracey and Jacki

Thank you Father God for suiting up and showing up at Bedrock Park in Oroville, California this evening for our first Serving Saturday.  We arrived to total insanity with two different groups fighting in the park along the beautiful Feather River.  Diane grabbed a handful of popsicles and ran into the crazy stupid telling everyone they needed to cool down.  Tracey tried to reason with the unruly guys then he called in Jesus Christ to have his way casting out the evil  God was the party crasher!  One of the mouthy guys claimed to have a loaded gun so hello 911. The Oroville Police Department came instantly and needless to say, the bad mojo all ran.  We honor our officers for making a difference.

We didn’t let spiritual warfare stop the appointment from God.  We prayed for peeps and shared the gospel.  The glory field is ripe for the harvest.  Our dear Terry surprised Tracey with a hand carved rod.  What a perfect gift at the right time.  Yes, we’re called to messy places with not so pretty peeps.  We’re called to love unconditionally.  You don’t have to “take over” a park to make a difference.  It’s so simple to serve others sharing the love of Christ. Hurt people hurt others.  Let them see Jesus in you.

I work for God and he allows me to minister and love on the lost.  Robert came to our church in Oroville, California months ago.  He was broken in tears that his brother had passed away.  Robert and his service dog needed a bus ticket to Idaho to be with his family.  I wrote his story and donations came offering him a hand up and not a hand out during this time of loss.

Robert and Twyla returned to Oroville stepping into our life.  Robert had three heart attacks in a short period of time.  Needless to say, we couldn’t let him recover at a homeless camp on the river so he came to live with us.  We loved Robert unconditionally and sometimes it was real messy.  Twyla ruled our house as she trained our dogs too.  Robert has come so far in such a short period of time.  God covered him with favor and grace.

Today, I said farewell for awhile to Robert.  He and Twyla have a new journey and chapter.  I cried all the way home knowing that loving on one peep at a time is all that is takes.  Love and kindness is the ripple effect to building a better world.  I love you Robert and Twyla .  I know that God loves you more.  Whew and ugly cry.

FEED MY PEEPS welcomes a new board member to our family.  Diane Boyle will help lead us in Northern California as God continues to open our doors.  Diane’s a mother and grandmother with a nurturing heart.  She has a seasoned culinary background and loves to serve others.  Diane has the gift of prophesy and loves the Lord.  We see God moving in and through her in a mighty way.  Please welcome Diane as she serves our little charity that could.

What do you do when mandarins fall from the sky? You say thank you and catch them!

Thank you to Lola at Tri-L Mandarin Ranch in Oroville, California for sharing her sweet crop with us. We blessed our homeless friends with extra love. We appreciate your generosity.

We wish to thank our generous donors and volunteers who help us to help others. Feed My Peeps serves in the Metro St. Louis Area, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Northern California. We don’t have a paid staff but we do have an amazing network that make the method to our madness happen.

We bless foster families, at-risk teens, Veterans, families with limited resources, soup kitchens, food pantries and our homeless friends. We offer a hand up, hope and hugs to those in need. We love so radically that they wonder why.

We appreciate the big embrace and may God bless you.

In His Love,

Tracey and Jaxs

FEED MY PEEPS takes a team of loving volunteers into Washington, DC monthly.  We offer hugs, hope and a hand up to those in need.  We serve clothes, food, toiletries, shoes and even stuffed animals to our homeless friends in Franklin Square.  We share the love of Christ to the lost.  We would love your help?  Can you host a jeans drive for us?  Jeans are Gold.  We’re always seeking bottled water and prepacked snacks.  Jump in and join us for street outreach.  You really can’t put a price tag on compassion.  Please contact Jaxs at 314-452-8578 for dates and more information.

God gave me FEED MY PEEPS on a mountain in Kenya Africa 2011.  We had no idea that this special boy named James Koech would change our lives forever.  God wanted Koech more.  He passed away after returning to his family in Africa.  We serve now in three states because Koech showed me hungry kids and little ones with no clothes in the remote areas of Kenya.  God has no boundaries.  We serve because of Koech and Matthew 25:35.  Please read more about our testimony with Koech by clicking on “WHO WE ARE.”

I met a special person at a homeless camp in Northern Virginia not long ago that had made some poor decisions. This person worked really hard to stay focused and finally landed gainful employment. We have a great team that has offered this dear person a hand up and not a hand out.  I moved this wonderful friend from a tent and a tarp to a secure roof with a real bathroom today. This friend loves the Lord and has a fresh start. Homelessness has no zip code. Homelessness doesn’t mean hopelessness. I’m so grateful to be part of the journey to plant seeds and watch God harvest exceedingly and abundantly. Keep on Serving, Jaxs

We’re thrilled to share our official letter from the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct business.  We’ve worked hard for this registration and are grateful to the State Corporation Commission for acknowledging our little charity.  FEED MY PEEPS feels the love here in Northern Virginia.

FEED MY PEEPS is honored to welcome our new Board Member Holly Cunningham. In 2001, St. Louis native Holly Cunningham launched Hollyberry Catering. Under her leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest catering companies in the St. Louis area, according to St. Louis Business Journal, and is the preferred caterer at more than 30 top area venues.

Holly is committed to the St. Louis community. During the 2010 and 2009 holiday seasons, she partnered with St. Patrick’s Center and its BEGIN New Venture Center to create the “Gifts that Give Back!” Program. In 2008, Holly established a mentoring program with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In 2012, Hollyberry partnered with SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and Dierbergs Market, Inc. to create “Home Run Bars,” an all-natural, made-from-scratch bar that was the official snack of the 2012 “Homers for Health” initiative.

Holly has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 under 40” list, as well as its “30 under 30” list. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a society of professional women leaders in the field of food. Hollyberry has been featured in Paula Dean’s Holiday Baking collector’s edition, Hollyberry cookies have been featured on The Rachael Ray Show as the “Snack of the Day” and named “best” by St. Louis Magazine. Holly was the 2002 Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is a past finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Holly and her husband, Guy, are parents to twin, “tween” daughters, Genevieve and Isabelle. Together they enjoyed participating in a variety of family activities including spending time in the country, sailing and fitness.

“I just finished One Peep at A Time! Thank you for sharing your story. Wow. I didn’t think I could love what you’re doing more but you proved me wrong. Your emphasis on all of the people who have been part of your story was really inspiring. Your work isn’t about feeding nameless people but about helping your friends to be the best they can be. There was never a note of judgement just love and understanding for where people are at on their journey and a willingness to be there in whatever way you can. Your genuine and open heart is inspiring. If we could spread this kind of compassion and understanding I think our world would be a better, sweeter place to call home. This will be a book I will return to for inspiration when I’m feeling worn down and need a reminder of why we serve. Thank you!!!”

Moira Killoran with St. Louis University Campus Kitchen

“I borrowed a copy of your book, One Peep at a Time and I must say that I absolutely loved it! I was so moved by your testimony of faith, hard work and dedication and your love of God. I laughed out loud, literally, at some of the humorous things you said. Thank You for touching so many lives and for making such a profound difference in so many peoples lives.”

Donna Chamness

One Peep at A Time  (learn more) is available online through Xulon Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.  Retailers may order One Peep At A Time through Ingram Book Company or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.

FEED MY PEEPS is once again blessed this holiday season. We won an award of $500 from the AutoCenters Nissan Wood River, IL. Our community cares and voted us as their favorite charity from a social media campaign.

Thank you for giving back AutoCenters Nissan!  FEED MY PEEPS is the little charity that could. We’re grateful for this blessing.

Hot off the Press – Jacki’s new book, One Peep At A Time.  Readers will discover an inspirational testimony of how one person can impact the life of another – which ripples out to others. FEED MY PEEPS began in Kenya, Africa with a teenage boy named Koech. He impacted the author’s life, which stirred her heart to serve those in need. Koech passed away at a young age but the difference he made in this world is immeasurable through a little charitable organization called FEED MY PEEPS. One bag of beans, one bag of rice or even one pan of pasta can serve a village or community just “One Peep at a Time.”

“I pray this story will inspire others to step out of their comfort zone to serve those less fortunate,” states the author. “One act of kindness can create a ripple effect which can impact a community. Compassion is contagious and does not have a price tag.”

Jacki Lynne Dirksmeyer is the director of FEED MY PEEPS, which originated in St. Louis, Missouri. She has a seasoned background in hospitality, culinary and ministry. Jacki was awarded the Local Food Hero Award from Gardens to Tables at St. Louis University in 2013. FEED MY PEEPS has also expanded to the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC areas. Jacki has sown culinary seeds and the harvest is abundant as the network of chefs and market places generously support the movement of FEED MY PEEPS.

The book is available online through Xulon Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.  Retailers may order One Peep At A Time through Ingram Book Company or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.

Shout out to the St. Louis Rams for awarding FEED MY PEEPS with the Community Quarterback Award. We’re so humble and grateful for the opportunity to highlight our little charity.  Thank you St. Lou for all the votes and well wishes.  Oh my $5,000 just fell from the sky.  We’re able to serve those in need because you believe in giving back to the community.

Let me share my divine appointment!  I saw a senior lady being rude and disrespectful to a beautiful lady over a wheelchair at the airport.  We had just gotten off a small plane.  We were standing in the rain and cold on the tarmac.  The beautiful lady had 17 minutes to make it to another terminal for her connecting flight to Dubai.  The airline staff  members were not helping her.  I got mad watching all of this unfold.

God laid on my heart to help.  I grabbed another wheelchair and my beautiful new friend and I took off running.  I’m sure we looked crazy running through several terminals and the train.  I kept assuring her that I work for God.  Jesus take our wheel (wheelchair).

We didn’t make her connecting flight but we did have an appointment.  My friend’s name is Cynthia and she’s from Sri Lanka.  She stayed overnight and made her trip home the next night.  We had the privilege of sharing lunch and fellowship with Cynthia.  She had a suitcase full of food for the poor children of her village.  Cynthia was returning to her country.  Her beloved daughter had passed along with her loving husband so Cynthia was going home to an empty house.  God has her back and connects Cynthia with loving friends.

Why would I run through a large airport pushing a stranger from Sri Lanka?  God is just that cool if you allow his divine appointment to happen.  I feed peeps so I ask God if FEED MY PEEPS will serve in Sri Lanka some day.

I love you my new friend Cynthia and pray for your traveling mercies.

Emily and Wayne have joined FEED MY PEEPS in weekly Saturday Outreach serving our homeless friends on the streets of St. Lou.  Emily and Wayne own Pamper Your Pooch which is a dog grooming business in South City. They have a heart for animals and know that puppy therapy is pure unconditional love.  We see homeless kids that should be playing in their own yard; however, due to unknown circumstances are on the streets with a parent.  Emily and Wayne bring their dog Joey along which brings an immediate smile.

Thank you Emily and Wayne for helping us in ministry as we collectively help to make a difference to those in need.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!!!

This past year has exceeded our expectations.  We thought feeding peeps was the calling.  BAM we’ve been blessed with toys, books, shoes, clothes, household items and furniture.  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!  We’re able to host monthly outreach events in neglected communities with your generosity.

The culinary community continues to support us with nutritious food made from scratch.  Trader Joe’s and Gordon Food Service provides us with more fresh produce, bread, dairy, protein and flowers.  We’re able to serve foster families, soup kitchens, homeless camps, troubled teens, families with limited resources and nuns and priests with this abundant surplus.

Washington University School of Law assisted FEED MY PEEPS in 2014 with our application for 501(c)3 non profit status.  We received our charitable organization stamp of approval from Mr. IRS in less than seven weeks.  God directed that application for this we know!

We launched our new website www.feedmypeeps.org which allows us to share our testimony with others.  We’re grateful for the grant money and financial favor that allows us to operate with 100% of your donation going toward ministry needs.  Our volunteers rock as they serve those in need without pay.

2014 was great and God’s given us a snapshot of 2015.  Are you ready to MAKE A DIFFERENCE as we serve those in need?

Happy New Year from our home to yours!

Jaxs and Tracey

We’re almost ready to share Christmas with our babies in Walnut Park this Sunday! We also have Blessing Bags of Good Eats for everyone’s household. Thank you to Kelley with UMSL for going above and beyond to bless our families in need. Sharing is Caring!

THANK YOU to Piccione Pastry for honoring FEED MY PEEPS on December 11th as part of Pastries with a Purpose program.  We can collectively serve those in need because you care.

Aunt Janet, Grandma Sue, and Chef Tony enjoyed a Cappuccino and Cannoli from our friend Darryl.