AATT Drop Coordinator Highlight - Rachel Abplanalp

Rachel Abplanalp is a long-time drop coordinator and recently joined the Azure Around the Table program. The Abplanalps joined the Azure family in 2020, after being unable to find affordable, organic foods. In addition to being a drop coordinator, she’s also an entrepreneur, running a small organic oils business out of her home, and a homesteader. And after falling in love with Azure’s high standards and organic products, Rachel joined a drop in her area. But with little kiddos and a newborn baby, the long drives to drop points inspired her to start a drop closer to her area. After speaking with her pastor, their church graciously lent their parking lot as a new drop point for Azure!

Once the news reached her about Azure Around the Table, Rachel’s heart was moved by Azure’s initiative to give back to churches across the nation. Since her church was glad to lend its parking lot space, Rachel was eager to find a way to show her appreciation. Once becoming a member of Azure Around the Table, Rachel’s church has been able to receive 2% of all the profits from the drop. After informing her pastor about this program, with no hesitation, he declared, “This is going straight to missions!” Azure Around the Table is supporting local churches and missionaries all around the world. 

After almost 5 years of being a drop coordinator, Rachel has experienced the highs and lows of what it looks like to serve. For one delivery, after her driver came down with a terrible stomach bug, Rachel and her husband Nate had to think quickly! With an approval straight from David Stelzer, Nate hopped on the back of the truck and was able to unload everything for the driver. Thankfully, the drop members were patient, and the church could provide a space for this driver to rest for a little while. While those moments aren’t typical of being a drop coordinator, Rachel encourages those who are considering becoming a drop coordinator to be flexible and relaxed. In her experience: “The more relaxed the drop coordinator is, the more relaxed everyone is.”

For those already a part of Azure as drop coordinators at local churches, this is simply an opportunity to partner with them and show your thanks for their generosity. Our goal is not only to help churches that already host drop points, but to encourage more churches to get involved and get a drop closer to you. Rachel’s passion for people, organic food, and Christ aligns with Azure Around the Table. Whether you’re a drop coordinator in a church parking lot or someone looking to start a drop a little closer to home, Azure Around the Table is an incredible opportunity to get involved in helping churches across the country.