Neighbor’s Pantry Feeds More Than Just Hunger

Before the early morning sun rises, a line forms long before United Food Bank’s doors open for the day. No matter the weather conditions, hundreds of people come together, young and old and from all walks of life. Each neighbor who comes through the doors carries their unique story and struggles. Some face the challenge of unemployment, while others are living with a disability or grieving the loss of a loved one. Yet, despite these differences, the unifying force that brings them all together is the need for food and the desire to belong in a welcoming community. 

In response to the growing need in the community, United Food Bank spent many months in 2024 exploring and planning out new ways to better serve our neighbors. After months of careful planning and organizing, in September, United Food Bank’s Neighbor’s Pantry was born. 

On the last Friday of every month, the Javelina volunteer center becomes a pop-up grocery store to provide dignity and a unique shopping experience for neighbors in need. At each Neighbor’s Pantry, neighbors can receive food, such as produce, snacks, and bakery items, all at no cost!

The impact has been profound. In its first month, United Food Bank distributed 117 food boxes to 87 households. The demand grew exponentially over the next six months as word spread and the program gained momentum. By March, that number had more than doubled, with 322 boxes served to over 209 households. This increase highlights the hard truth that our community needs us more than ever.

The numbers only tell one part of the story. Behind these numbers are faces and untold stories behind each box distributed. Let’s take a moment to meet some of them.

Meet Donna 

With a household of 13 people to feed on a fixed income, Donna’s life is far from easy.

Over the past year, Donna and her husband have faced serious physical and mental health struggles, including surviving a heart attack that landed her in the hospital.

Now, some of Donna’s children and grandkids have moved in to support their parents. But now, living on disability while trying to feed 13 people and pay off hospital bills, it has been challenging to make ends meet.

“It’s sometimes difficult to feed everyone,” confesses Donna. “The variety of foods United Food Bank provides has helped me be able to do that so much easier, and without a lot of stress.”  

Receiving food at Neighbor’s Pantry has not only lightened her load but also allowed her to spend more quality time with her grandchildren.

Meet Hector

Hector’s journey to Neighbor’s Pantry has been filled with unexpected twists.

Hector worked at a junkyard for six years, spending long hours outdoors, operating heavy machinery and sorting through scrap metals. But when he was unexpectedly laid off, his world shifted. With no backup plan, he moved in with his grandmother while searching for new job opportunities.

As a first-time visitor to a food bank, Hector wasn’t sure what to expect. He joined his grandmother, an experienced food bank recipient, at the United Food Bank’s March Neighbor’s Pantry, seeking support during a challenging time. While waiting in line, he shared his optimism about his journey ahead despite his circumstances.

“I didn’t expect this to happen,” commented Hector. ” It’s okay, though; that’s part of life. You gotta get back on your feet and learn how to survive.”

Meet Toni

For Toni, family means everything. After receiving an associate’s degree and later a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, Toni aspires to pursue a master’s degree and enter the medical field. However, as a mother of three young children, she has put her education on hold to be with her family.

Toni is actively searching for jobs. However, without a master’s degree, she is finding it challenging. Now, only living off her husband’s income, money has been tight.

“With the high prices of food, money is tight right now. So, [the food bank] saves us a little bit of money for something else, like presents for the kids, or gas, you know? So, it has helped me for my children.”

By attending Neighbor’s Pantry for the past couple of months, she has provided her family with nutritious meals they can make together. Homemade pizza crust is one of their favorite things to make as a family.