Pacific Pantry

Together let's lift the spirit of our community by giving the gift of food.

QUOTES FROM OUR PANTRY CLIENTS

"The Pacific Pantry and this organization changes a lot of lives - makes our lives better. It has turned a bad situation for me into something much more livable. It gives you a ray of hope." ~Client

"My daughter and I have had some tough financial times - we both have medical issues. We've needed the healthy food that the pantry offers - we can select our own groceries instead of just being given stuff that we may or may not be able to use." ~Client

"The Pacific Food Pantry is so important to me because I live on a fixed income and towards the end of the month I usually run out of groceries that work with each other to make a complete meal. The pantry provides food choices that are helpful for my family and me. Sometimes we don't understand how small of a donation can have such a large impact on members in our community. I hope Pacific Pantry is here for a long time to come." ~Volunteer/Client

"The Pacific Pantry has been a great addition to our community and I am proud to be a part of it. One of the best things about it is that people can choose foods that they can use and that they want - they don't just come in and get a box handed to them. And the family Resource Center is a great place to have the Pantry because people can also come in and cook the food they just chose in our kitchen." ~Volunteer/Client

"Sometimes we have circumstances in life that are beyond our control. So some people need a little bit of help and food is one of the most basic needs. As a community it would be really great if we could all work together and support the Pacific Food Pantry." ~Volunteer

OUR STORY

In April of 2018, the FRC of the Redwoods opened Pacific Pantry, the first choice-based food bank in Del Norte County. The choice-based food bank model means that clients are able to “shop” in the pantry, selecting the foods that go into their food boxes. This model creates a dignified experience for clients, allows for cultural and dietary food needs to be met, and minimizes food waste.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Food security means reliable access to nutritious, culturally relevant food for all people to live an active, healthy life. The main reason for food insecurity is poverty. Based on the US Census Bureau data from 2012-2017 Del Norte’s poverty rate for individuals over 18 was 24% compared to CA rates of 14%. Data from Kidsdata.org, showed 29.7% of households with children in Del Norte in 2014 were food insecure.

WHO WE SERVE

Since opening its doors in April of 2018,  the Pantry has served 9,135 Del Norte households comprised of  23,076 people . Our pantry mainly serves low and moderate income clients, with 99% of our clients living below  80% of the federal poverty level.  Pacific Pantry has proven to be an asset to the community, filling a need for increased access to quality food for low-income residents.

HELP FEED OUR FAMILIES

The Pacific Pantry was funded entirely by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the City of Crescent City. Due to a gap in the City’s CDBG grant cycles we will not have funding as of November 1, 2019. Therefore, we are seeking financial support from local institutions and our community to help us to keep serving Del Norte’s most in-need families.

HEALTHY OPTIONS

At Pacific Pantry, we source local and organic foods whenever possible, supporting local producers while delivering healthy food to our clients. When possible we carry locally raised meat and eggs, Rumiano’s cheese and butter, Crystal and Alexandre Farms milk, produce grown in Taa-‘at-dvn Chee-ne’ Tetlh-tvm’ community food forest, Ocean Air produce, as well as products from other local producers and community members.

$15 TO FEED A FAMILY

Households are able to visit the Pacific Pantry once a month and choose a number of items based on household size. It takes approximately $15 to cover the food for one family visit to the pantry.  Please consider sponsoring the food for 1-10 families as a one time donation or as monthly donation.

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS

Every little bit counts. This holiday season please consider donating to the Pacific Pantry.