“I’ve never done anything like this. I don’t really know how it works. I’ve been standing in line for a few hours now, and it’s barely starting to move. I’m not complaining. It’s a blessing to be here. I’ll wait all day if I have to because this virus has left me with no other choice, but what happens if they run out of food?

They told us to be here this morning at 10, so I got here at 8. That’s what they teach you in the military: ‘Be punctual. Take personal responsibility.’ I haven’t been able to sleep much lately anyway with the way my mind keeps running, so I thought I’d beat the crowds.

It sounds like they’re giving us some instructions. I think they’re starting to call people up. Hold on. I better ask somebody—‘Excuse me, sir? I couldn’t hear. Did they say anything? Do they have enough?’
OK. They’re telling us we’ll all walk away with food. They’re saying to be patient, because I think this is double or triple their normal crowd. Everyone is six-feet apart. A few people brought chairs to sit on, and some are carrying empty shopping bags. Was I supposed to bring something? I didn’t know how to prepare. Do they want you to show ID or tell them why you’re in need?

I tried my best to avoid this. It’s not that I’m ashamed of it—not really. I’ve lived in some off-the-grid-type places, and I’m used to managing without savings, but there’s no faking it when you don’t have enough food to eat. That’s basic need. That’s survival.

I don’t mean to sound dramatic. Nobody’s been starving. I don’t want to make it out to be worse than it is. We still have canned beans at the house, rice, a few leftovers in the fridge. My whole family got laid off the same week. We went from a three-income household to nothing.

I did 20 years in the Coast Guard, and my body is falling apart. I’ve got bad arthritis, and I’m worried about getting sick. I wear my mask everywhere. I try to stay inside. My wife and I have been hoping to get unemployment, but the website shuts down and there’s no way to get through on the phone. We had a little savings but now that’s gone. I tried selling off some of my sports memorabilia, but anybody who might be interested is also laid off. What can I do to come up with a few dollars?

A few people are walking back out of the pantry area now. They’re carrying bags and boxes. This must be the 7 a.m. crowd. I see cauliflower, lots of potatoes and bread. The line is moving again. I’ve been here all morning but I’m getting close. They’re telling the people in front of me to wait and they’ll bring out their food. This is a new experience that I’m living through, and it’s humbled me.

We’re lucky to live in this country. The bottom can fall out of your life, and there are people ready to help you out and give you something. I’m at the front. They’re coming toward me with a full cart, and it’s got three bags and one box. ‘Wow. Thank you. Thank you. God Bless.’

This is a lot. I’ve got bananas, blueberries, lettuce, and fresh yellow peaches. In another bag is protein, vegetables and enough bread for me to share with the neighbors. They even gave me a mango and a big pineapple. They just hand you the food and it’s yours to take to the car—no guilt, no questions. They thanked me for coming. Can you believe that?”

Story submitted by Lighthouse of San Fernando

The staff and volunteers at the Valley Food Bank have been working extended hours to meet the incredible demands of processing food resources for those in need during the pandemic. Considered essential workers, our staff has served more than 43,000 individuals—and that was just in the last month.

Our team, augmented by a core of faithful volunteers, was treated to a barbecue lunch prepared by chef- and catering-instructor extraordinare, none other than Richard Weinroth. Sometimes referred to as the “Manager of Mayhem,” Richard is the founder of “Stone Soup Project LA.”

Rich threw together some incredible food for all, considering all dietary restrictions: Tri-tip; Polish sausages; salmon with basil butter; tilapia with lime and cilantro; hamburgers; and grilled vegetables. Our folks were able to pause from the hectic routine and enjoy this hearty feast. Thanks Chef Rich!

Uncertainty and an ever-changing set of regulations has been challenging, but not without benefits. In our need to adapt to the city and state regulations for social distancing and minimum or no-touch distribution of food resources, our pantry network has adapted processes to screen volunteers, set-up drive-through distributions and seek out additional ways to help families in need. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has made available thousands of boxes of protein to assist in creating an ease of distribution augmented by premade boxes of fruits, vegetables, dairy and bakery goods.

With a growing number of seniors unable to venture out, we established a partnership with EveryTable and AccessServices to have meals delivered directly to the homes of seniors, which has been a huge success. Our thanks to Councilperson Monica Rodriquez from the Seventh Council District.

The Farmers to Family Tables program has been helpful in maintaining a pipeline of food boxes for distribution, compensating for the decline in food donations from retailers and produce distributors. Our faithful donors coupled with additional cash funding from new donors to help meet this unprecedented demand for assistance has been one less concern. Foundations and corporations have been sending in unexpected donations and we are so very thankful for the help. One standout surprise was from Barry and Wendy sending back-to-back generous donations from their foundation—their timing was God sent to help us close the fiscal year ahead of budget and kick-off the new fiscal year with a strong start.

Thanks to all for their continued, prayers, words of encouragement, donations and to the many that have found creative ways to help during this crisis.

Pastor Yonny inquires of a new set of faces, “Hello, I noticed you are new to the pantry. I would like to ask a few questions, if that is okay with you.” One of the pantry recipients responds with a nod of approval. “What brings you here?  Are you from the local community?  How did you find us?”

The young man proceeded to answer Pastor’s questions. “Oh, I found the pantry online. I wasn’t sure what to bring or how it all works, but here we are.” Pastor Yonny explained the pantries are self-certifying, provide food free of charge to all who are present.

“We are from the local area,” the man said. “I have a 7-year-old asthmatic, my sister, who is also a cancer patient, and a friend who comes and goes. That’s the four of us and it’s kind of a mess with none of us having a solid income. With this pandemic situation it is just very difficult. I’m limited with the type of work that I do.

“I know of many who have been affected so this is just such a great relief and the food items are perfect for our family,” he added. “If there is anything that I can do I would be glad to help. We are so appreciative and everyone is so very nice. Thank you.”

Submitted by: Yonny Jimenez, Pastor La Voz Sylmar

We weren’t sure what to expect.  So we did the best we could with all the people who came. We practiced social distancing as best we could. We packed at the church and then delivered the groceries in prepared boxes.

The families who came already knew what to do. We almost did not have to organize anything. They drove up in cars and we got to load their vehicles with goodies.

Under the circumstances, we were wondering if we would be able to have the pantry at all. After all, we had canceled the previous one. All expectations were exceeded.

We thought it would be chaotic. It was one of the most organized pantries we have ever had. We thought distancing would be an issue. The families stayed in their cars and so that guideline was no problem. We were concerned someone might get sick. It turns out that it’s good for us to be outside.

We thought we would not have many people come to receive the food. We had twice the number of families we usually get to serve.  It was a truly blessed and needed breath of fresh air in the middle of this pandemic we are all enduring.  Praise God!

Submitted by Pastor Paul Kim – The House a Church Family