Hunger fighter helps fed thousands a year
The Second Harvest Food Bank honored Paul Armbruster, 73, for
his continued effort to fight hunger in San Benito County earlier
this year for his work as the manager of Fishes and Loaves.
Hunger fighter helps fed thousands a year
The Second Harvest Food Bank honored Paul Armbruster, 73, for his continued effort to fight hunger in San Benito County earlier this year for his work as the manager of Fishes and Loaves.
Armbruster was awarded with the title of Hunger Fighter of the Year for 2007.
“Paul’s just steadfast in the community,” said Christine Woodard, development director for the Second Harvest Food Bank. “His passion in life is making sure that none go hungry and I really respect that.”
For the past eight years Armbruster has volunteered as manager of Fishes and Loaves – a food bank operated through Sacred Heart Catholic church – for eight years.
Last year Fishes and Loaves fed 3,350 individuals who were in need of a meal.
When Armbruster started with Fishes and Loaves they had an opening for a manager and friend Kathy Ruiz asked Armbruster if he would take over.
The organization provides fresh and healthy foods, something that Armbruster is particularly proud of.
“We don’t give out a hodge podge of canned foods that people give you,” Armbruster said. “We start with chicken and then we give them eggs and flour. We give people the same things that we buy when we go to the store.”
Prior to retirement Armbruster worked as a distribution manager for Seagram’s Beverage Co.
Now he works several hours per week, but no set times. When he did all the shopping for the pantry himself, he would spend quite a few hours looking for bargains, but now that Fishes and Loaves gets the majority of its food from the Community Pantry, his hours are less.
“I probably average two days per week with the pantry,” Armbruster said. “Before the pantry started buying the food for us I had to shop daily looking for the different specials and buying food.”
Mary Schneider, who volunteers with Fishes and Loaves, described Armbruster as a very modest person who doesn’t volunteer for the recognition. He has a lot of integrity and is very sincere, she said.
Armbruster is proud of the dedicated volunteers who work with him. He enjoys spending time with them and knowing that he is helping people in need.
“There was a time when we were getting federal funding, but after 15 years that dried up,” Armbruster said. “The only thing keeping the bank alive is the generosity of Saint Benedict’s congregation. Because of the generosity of people in this community, I see a bright future for [Fishes and Loaves]. To sense and feel people in trouble, it’s a good feeling being able to help them.”
