07/03/2026
Some Fridays are harder than others.
At Denise’s Pantry, in this 100-degree weather, we have a woman who is already standing on the corner before we even arrive. We get there around 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning, and she’s already waiting. The trucks haven’t even started delivering yet, but the line has already begun.
Our food distribution doesn’t start until 3:00 PM.
Think about that for a moment. Some of our seniors are sitting or standing outside for nearly seven hours just so they have a chance to feed themselves or their families.
That breaks my heart.
Every Friday we serve more than 200 families, but the truth is we don’t receive enough food to properly serve everyone. On many weeks, we’re short enough food for nearly 100 more people. Our seniors come early because they know if they’re farther back in line, there may not be enough left.
We’re doing everything we can to find a solution.
We’ve talked about creating a Senior Box Program, but even that comes with difficult decisions. If we set food aside just for seniors, that could mean some low-income families who aren’t seniors yet may leave with little or nothing. No matter which way we look at it, someone ends up hurting.
Right now, we’re blessed to receive food from Sharing Excess and Share Food Program. Unfortunately, the amount we receive from Sharing Excess has decreased because of food shortages, and Share Food Program isn’t always able to deliver every Friday. We’re actively searching for additional food sources, but building those partnerships takes time.
We’ve even had conversations about whether we should close the pantry and send what little food we receive to another program so they could serve larger quantities. But then I think about our neighbors. I think about the people who walk to our pantry, the seniors who wait for hours, and the families who depend on us every single Friday.
Walking away has never felt like the right answer.
So we’ll keep fighting. We’ll keep searching for resources. We’ll keep knocking on doors. And as long as we’re able, we’ll continue showing up for our community.
I just wish my mother, Denise, was still here. She had a way of bringing people together and finding hope when things seemed impossible. There are days like today when I could really use her wisdom.
To everyone who has donated, volunteered, shared a post, or simply believed in our mission, thank you. Please keep us in your prayers, and if you know of organizations, businesses, farms, wholesalers, or anyone willing to help us provide food, we’d love to hear from you.
Our community deserves better, and we’re not giving up.
Again If you know someone who can help, please reach out or tag them below. Even sharing this post could connect us with someone who can make a difference.
No senior should have to wait seven hours in the heat for a meal.
No family should have to wonder if there will be enough food when they reach the front of the line.
Please share this post. Someone in your network may be the answer our community has been praying for. ❤️
