When times are tough, and grocery stores have empty shelves…jobs are lost…finances are tight—where do you go for hope and help?
One place to go is Food Share, a non-profit that supports 179 food pantries in Ventura County. Food Share has banded together with local churches and grocery stores, including Albertsons and Trader Joe’s. Together, they provide 75,000 meals per month.
Cat James is the woman behind the food pantry at Newbury Park First Christian. This service started in her garage in 2006. This ministry now serves 40-150 people per week on their Friday and Saturday pantry days.
Recently, a woman came to the pantry at Newbury Park First Christian. She was homeless and living in her car, and did not have access to drinking water. Not only did the church give her water, but they told her—much to her surprise—that the only requirement to get assistance was her own request for help. No paperwork or proof of life condition was required.
Loading her car up with groceries, the volunteers banded together to find her a hotel room for a few days. She was able to clean up, shower, and see her dignity restored. This woman was all alone—scared, hurt, and confused that anyone would reach out to feed her and give her a temporary roof over her head. She was later able to find a room to rent and a job, and she is now in her own condo, working full time and even attending our church.
Brian Padrick, another volunteer, says that a young man showed up recently at the Premier Inn food pantry for a hot meal. Sitting on the curb, he found support in having someone to talk to. Having just been released from prison, he came home to find that his mother had suddenly passed away just before he was released. He found a temporary safe haven for sharing as one of the pastors walked by and joined the discussion, and thus the young man was lifted up by a few caring men. It was a powerful moment that brought tears to Brian’s eyes.
How do we feed hope? We open our hearts and meet the needs without judgment. Our community steps up to make sure that those who are in crisis are supported, honored and respected. Feeding hope is more than just getting something to eat. It’s also a kind word, a gentle smile, a prayer when needed, laughter, conversation…food for the soul.
