Since the start of Sheltering-in-Place more than four weeks ago, the Food Pantry has stepped up to provide groceries for people from all walks of life including the homeless, parishioners, and Siena House residents. Phil Hodsdon, director-on-the-ground, with Irene Lennox providing coordination from home, reports that over the last two weeks an average of 102 families, 300 children, 60 homeless, 25 couples and seniors have been served. "A big surprise," Phil says," is that some seniors are getting food from us because they are scared to death setting foot in a grocery store."
Phil adds they had eight volunteers, half of which were students. Way to go, students! They are processing two tons of food per week at a cost of $1,200. Total for the month is $4,800. Donations average $1,000 each week. They are very grateful for what has been given and would love to see more donations in any amount!
To give you an idea what the process for getting and delivering food looks like, here are photos provided by Phil:
Second Harvest in Watsonville where cars line up to be loaded with groceries.
The National Guard helping to pack up the
product.
Phil went to Second Harvest Wednesday morning to get extra peanut butter, eggs and cereal. Here he is with the women of the National Guard who told him it was an honor to serve the people of Santa Cruz and the Holy Cross Food Pantry.
Trevor unloading two pallets, 2,000 pounds of food, packed at Second Harvest.
Food waiting to be sorted into boxes and bags and placed in the outer hallway where they will be given to people as they arrive. Times for distribution are Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 until 2 and Sundays from 11:30 - 1:30. Volunteers are still needed! Thank you for whatever you can do to help. Following is a brief video from Fr. Martin regarding this need.