In the Diocese of Oakland, California, a portion of local CRS Rice Bowl funds supports the Delta Christian Community Food Pantry, a faith-based group that provides both spiritual and nutritional food for individuals and families in need.

The Delta Christian Community Food Pantry is an ecumenical effort supported by St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Byron Methodist Church and Delta Presbyterian Church. The pantry packages around 120 bags of food each week for families in need. Each bag contains a healthy balance of foods including pasta, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, bread, meat, soup, and peanut butter and jelly. The St. Anne Community Garden often supplements the packages with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as squash, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, peaches, apricots and apples. In addition, the pantry provides people with information about job listings and available training sessions, health care and housing resources, and emotional and spiritual support.

As a result of the economic downturn, the needs of many families in this area have increased. When her husband lost his job, Ana Martinez worried about how they would feed their four young children, ages 13,6, 4 and 1. Her neighbor told her about the Delta Christian Community Food Pantry. In addition to receiving assistance from the Food Pantry, Ana serves as a volunteer there, helping to pack the food bags and making sure each person gets what they need. She loves to feel that she is giving back for the food she receives.

Reflection

This week we conclude our Lenten journey in Oakland, California, remembering that the cry of the poor can be heard in our own communities and neighborhoods. We accompany Christ as he carries the weight of the world. He walks through injustice and hears the cry of the poor. Read more.