Hollister
– Most people think about helping the hungry during the holiday
season, but for Hollister resident Paul Armbruster, ensuring that
the needy are well-fed is a year-round priority.
Hollister – Most people think about helping the hungry during the holiday season, but for Hollister resident Paul Armbruster, ensuring that the needy are well-fed is a year-round priority.
The Second Hand Harvest Food Bank is honoring Armbruster, 73, for his continued effort to fight hunger in San Benito County. Armbruster, the manager of Fishes and Loaves, was chosen as the Hunger Fighter of the Year and will be honored at Second Harvest’s annual awards ceremony tonight, along with other organizations and individuals who have contributed to the local fight to end hunger.
“We would not be able to feed the hungry without these champions who pick up the ball and run with it and say ‘I care,'” said Christine Woodard, Second Harvest Food Bank’s development director. “It’s hugely important to acknowledge that. They’re making a huge contribution in the community and making a difference in lives.”
Armbruster has volunteered as manager of Fishes and Loaves, a food bank, for eight years, putting in several hours a week. The organization provides meals on a short-term emergency basis. Typically, families and individuals who come in are new to the area, between jobs or have not yet started receiving food stamps.
Last year, Fishes and Loaves, which is run through Sacred Heart Catholic Church, fed 3,350 individuals who were in need of a meal.
The organization provides fresh and healthy food, something Armbruster is particularly proud of.
“We don’t give them a hodge podge of canned food that people give you. We start with Foster Farms chicken and a dozen eggs,” Armbruster said. “We’re just fortunate that we have really good food that you and I would go to the store to buy.”
Armbruster became involved with Fishes and Loaves after retiring from his job as a distribution manager for Seagram’s Beverage Co.
“I’ve had a good life, so I decided I could give back some,” Armbruster said. “It’s a good feeling to see that we’re helping the poor.”
As manager, Armbruster works to ensure that the Fishes and Loaves pantry is always stocked, and searches out the best deals for high-quality food.
“He’s just so dedicated to this and so quiet about it. It’s really a ministry of his. He’s concerned about feeding those who don’t have a lot of food,” said Kathy Hough, who volunteers with Fishes and Loaves.
The annual awards and Hunger Fighter of the Year Reception will also be acknowledging individuals who have helped with the Holiday Food Drive, and have helped throughout the year to feed the needy in the county.
This year, Woodard said, community members were particularly generous in their donations. More than 80,000 pounds of food and cash equivalent was donated during the holiday food drive.
“The community of San Benito County really pulled together this year and broke the record,” Woodard said.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
