As the need to feed the hungry grows, Food pantries try new approach
As holiday breaks from school approach for children, putting food on the table becomes more difficult for some families. Those who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs to feed their kids will now have to feed them three meals a day while they’re home from school.
That’s why local food banks are in desperate need for donations this time of year.
“People that come here really do need the help, umm I’ve seen cases where they just got here to El Paso and they need shelter and food.” says David Gutierrez, a volunteer for Sparks Housing.
The food pantry in Sparks not only had your typical canned goods, but even items such as bread and turkey. This particular pantry allows clients to choose their own food they receive, thanks to an innovative system implemented by CEO Susan Goodell.
“Client choice is giving them the option, the option for them to pick, to what they’re actually going to use and not just let it sit in their pantry and go to waste,” says Robert Maldonado of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
If you’d like to volunteer for El Pasoans Fighting Hunger call 915.298.0353.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger lists these policies for volunteers.
Volunteers under the age of 18 require a parent/guardian signature on the volunteer application Youth group ratio (13 years and younger) is 1 adult per 8 youth. Volunteers must wear long pants, jeans or capris. No tank tops, tube-tops, spaghetti straps etc.) Volunteers wear comfortable walking shoes (no sandals, flip flops, open-toed shoes)
