While beauty queens around the country keep wishing for world
peace and the alleviation of hunger, the San Benito County
Community Pantry is actually trying to do it.
Providing food and assistance to the needy people of the county
on a weekly basis in a dignified and responsible manner has been
the mission of the Community Pantry for the last 14 years.
While beauty queens around the country keep wishing for world peace and the alleviation of hunger, the San Benito County Community Pantry is actually trying to do it.
Providing food and assistance to the needy people of the county on a weekly basis in a dignified and responsible manner has been the mission of the Community Pantry for the last 14 years.
The Pantry is a nonprofit organization that distributes food to the community every Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister. They also distribute bags of food at sites in Aromas, San Juan Bautista and Paicines, said Tom Larkin, the executive director.
The Pantry distributes about 800 bags a week. Each bag contains about 19 pounds of food, including bread, potatoes, onions, pastries, canned soup and fresh vegetables.
“We try to put together a good nutritious bag every week,” Larkin said.
The recipients, or members, of the food must pay a fee of $30 a year, however it may be paid throughout the year when ever they have the money.
“We’re not a charity,” Larkin said. “The members have to pay and work for the food.”
The Pantry is almost completely self-sufficient, relying on donations and volunteers to stay afloat. The members must volunteer two hours a month to participate in the program.
Many local residents donate money on a monthly basis and local business donate much of the food the Pantry distributes.
All the bread products are donated by Safeway, Nob Hill, Albertsons, Fault Line Coffee Roasting and Bagel, Starbucks and the San Juan Bautista Bakery. Happy Boys Farms has donated fresh organic produce and Fortino’s Total Home Furnishings has donated trucks for distribution purposes.
Between monetary and food donations, the Pantry distributes almost $25,000 worth of food every week, Larkin said.
Witnessing first hand those in great need can be sad, but being able to help someone feed their family overrides any sense of despondency, Larkin said.
“It’s a very rewarding program,” he said.
Volunteers are always welcome for distribution, pickup at local farms and marketing. To volunteer or donate call the Community Pantry at 637-0340, visit the office at 30-B Airport Drive, or e-mail at [email protected].
