Olive Branch Fellowship

​

Biblically Clean Food Guidelines for Fellowship Meals

At Olive Branch Fellowship, we seek to honor God by following the biblical instructions found in Scripture regarding clean foods. Because shared meals are an important part of our fellowship, we ask that foods brought to church gatherings follow the guidelines described in Leviticus 11.

​

Foods to Avoid Bringing

Please do not bring foods that contain:

• Pork or pork products (ham, bacon, sausage, lard, etc.)
• Shellfish or seafood without fins and scales (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)
• Foods containing pork or shellfish ingredients:

• Jell-O

• Marshmallows

• Gummy bears

• Fruit snacks

• Some yogurt

• Some ice creams

• Some frosting

• Some puddings

• Some candy (Starburst, gummy candies)

Look for “gelatin” on the label.

​

Foods That Are Acceptable

The following foods are acceptable to bring and share:

• Land animals that have cloven hooves and chew the cud (beef, lamb, goat, venison)
• Fish that have fins and scales
• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based foods
• Dairy products
• Foods labeled Kosher (although kosher certification is not required)

Meat and Dairy

We do not prohibit mixing meat and dairy. While some Jewish traditions avoid this practice, Scripture does not clearly require it. In Genesis 18:7–8, Abraham served both meat and dairy to his guests.

Helpful Tips

• Please read ingredient labels carefully when purchasing prepared foods.
• If you are unsure about an ingredient, it is best to avoid bringing that item.
• If you have special dietary needs, you are welcome to bring your own food.

Our Heart

Our desire is to honor God's Word while maintaining unity and fellowship within the congregation. These guidelines simply help ensure that everyone can comfortably participate in shared meals.

​

Foods That Commonly Contain Pork

 Pork Products

These are straightforward but still good to list.

• Bacon

• Ham

• Pork chops

• Sausage

• Pepperoni

• Salami

• Prosciutto

• Pork hot dogs

• Pork ribs

Gelatin Products (Very Common)

Most gelatin is made from pork skin or bones.

Foods that may contain pork gelatin:

• Jell-O

• Marshmallows

• Gummy bears

• Fruit snacks

• Some yogurt

• Some ice creams

• Some frosting

• Some puddings

• Some candy (Starburst, gummy candies)

Look for “gelatin” on the label.

Processed Foods That Often Use Pork

• Refried beans (many restaurants use lard)

• Baked beans

• Soup bases

• Ramen flavor packets

• Stuffing mixes

• Some gravies

• Some canned soups

• Some frozen meals

• ​

Ingredients Made from Pork

Lard

Pig fat used in:

• tortillas

• pie crusts

• pastries

• refried beans

• biscuits

• ​

Gelatin

Used in:

• candy

• desserts

• supplements

• capsules

​

Candy That Often Contains Pork Gelatin

​

Examples include:

• gummy bears

• gummy worms

• fruit snacks

• Starburst

• Skittles (varies by country)

• marshmallow candy

​

​

​

God’s Definition of Food

​

In Leviticus 11, God gives clear instructions regarding which animals are considered clean and suitable for food.

​

Land Animals

Animals that have cloven hooves and chew the cud are considered clean.

Examples include cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.

Animals such as pigs, camels, rabbits, and others that do not meet both requirements are considered unclean and are not eaten.

Leviticus 11:3

“Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat.”

​

Creatures from the Water

Sea creatures must have both fins and scales to be considered clean.

Fish such as salmon, tuna, and cod are acceptable.

Creatures such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and other shellfish are not eaten.

Leviticus 11:9

“These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales… that you may eat.”

​

The Purpose of These Instructions

God gave these instructions so His people could distinguish between what is clean and unclean.

Leviticus 11:46–47

“This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters… to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.”

​

Foods to Avoid Bringing

For church fellowship meals, please avoid bringing foods that contain:

• Pork or pork products (ham, bacon, sausage, lard, etc.)
• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)
• Foods containing pork or shellfish ingredients

Please read ingredient labels carefully when purchasing prepared foods.

Meat and Dairy

Some Jewish traditions prohibit mixing meat and dairy. However, we do not believe Scripture requires this restriction.

In Genesis 18:7–8, Abraham served both meat and dairy to his guests.

“So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared and set it before them.”

Because of this example, we do not prohibit serving meat and dairy together.

Understanding the New Testament

Some people believe the New Testament changed God’s instructions regarding food. However, we understand that the Scriptures continue to affirm God's Word.

Yeshua Himself affirmed the authority of the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 5:17

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

In Acts 10, Peter’s vision of animals in a sheet was not about food but about people. Peter later explained the meaning of the vision.

Acts 10:28

“God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”

The vision revealed that the message of the Gospel was for all people.

Our Heart

Our goal is not to place unnecessary burdens on anyone, but to encourage one another to honor God and follow His Word. These guidelines simply help ensure that everyone can participate comfortably in fellowship meals while maintaining unity within our congregation.