What’s Our Priority?
Shepherd’s Pantry is an essential service provider involved in local Covid-19 relief efforts. When the coronavirus pandemic began, we made an intentional commitment to continue providing food to our community.
It did not take long before we realized the severity of the situation, and we had to adapt our procedures and policies quickly. To ensure that we can provide food, we have had to stop all other services temporarily. All three pantry locations are fully engaged to serving those needing food weekly.
How Many People Come to Shepherd’s Pantry?
Shepherd’s Pantry has three locations: Glendora, Irwindale, and Baldwin Park. Each site has seen a substantial and immediate rise in food insecurity since the pandemic began. In February of this year, we averaged 240 households per week, but in April, we were serving over 700 households per week.
How Safe is Food Distribution?
All food distribution is conducted as a drive-thru system to prevent clients from having to physically be in a building, touch food, or have close contact with another person. Our volunteers put the food into the client’s trunk to limit exposure. All volunteers wear face masks, and those working in the food room wear gloves, too. When clients show their identification to pantry volunteers, it is placed into a plastic bag to prevent contact. Hand sanitizer is provided, and hand washing procedures are reviewed with volunteers.
Does Home Delivery Still Happen?
We have expanded our home delivery service from our Glendora location and added delivery from our Irwindale location. Glendora has seen 300% growth for home deliveries, but along with that has come some wonderfully dedicated volunteers. We are now expanding this service to share food with local churches and social service agencies that handle deliveries to their members or clients unable to leave their homes.
When Will Shepherd’s Pantry Be Accepting Clothing Donations?
This is one of the most common questions, actually. Now that restrictions are changing in our communities, we intend on opening clothing distribution in July. We will be accepting clothing donations beginning Monday June 15, 2020. At that time, please drop off donations Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, or Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00PM – 6:00PM. Thank you!
What Does Shepherd’s Pantry Need Most?
All food donations are greatly needed. With schools, businesses and churches closed, there are far less food donations coming when we need it most. As most of our food comes from LA Regional Food Bank, that source is becoming scarce as well. Food donations can be taken to the Glendora site on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or can be picked up at businesses if it is a large quantity. The Irwindale site receives donations from 10:00AM – 12:00PM Monday thru Friday.
What’s Next?
As our state goes back to a new sense of normal, we expect it to be a long while before everyone goes back to work. As each site progresses, we will adapt our hours and services to meet our community’s demand. The past-due rent, utility bills and other household expenses will take a long time for most to recover from. Shepherd’s Pantry appreciates the continued donations of food, financial gifts and volunteers to help their neighbors in need.
