The House’s food pantry ministry is the last Saturday of each month.

After 2 deaths and adopting a family member, she is more in need than ever

The recent COVID years brought innovations to the way we serve people who are in dire need of extra and free resources. Pre-COVID, they would walk up to us and register to receive the food that was available for that day. We could converse with most of them and learn a bit about their background and circumstances.

But after this COVID era, families would come in cars, get in queues, and receive the food they need. There is very little interaction with the patrons except to get their names, where they live, and the number of people in their family. But at our most recent food distribution at the House—A Church Family’s pantry, we were fortunate enough to meet someone who walked up to us and met us personally.

Melanie lives with her son. He recently lost his dad. Just months before the death of her previous husband, Melanie’s mother also passed. Two losses in a year’s time is just too much to bear, Melanie said.

In addition to the emotional toll, there have been other challenges in the wake of her mother’s death. Melanie is now in the process of adopting her nephew who was in her mom’s care. As a single parent with dependents, she was very grateful to find The House’s food pantry ministry in partnership with Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank.

Unlike most of the patrons who drive by, we got to meet Melanie and hear her story, which gave the volunteers encouragement to continue this community outreach, which has been running for more than a decade. There are no exact words to express her joy and appreciation to the donors and sponsors of this food pantry. She was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the people behind this much-needed work of charity.

We have noticed over the years that our food supplies run out in just over an hour because of the influx of patrons in such a short span of time. We remind all our families in need to come early and spend some time getting to know us and the people behind this great work. The pantry opens at 10 a.m. on the last Saturday of the month and ends at about 11:30 a.m. or until supplies last. Please call Pastor Paul Kim for more details on (818) 631-2741 and leave a clear and concise message.