ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – As grocery prices climb, St. Patrick’s Church has stepped up its long‑standing outreach ministry to keep local families fed. The St. Patrick’s Outreach Pantry, now approaching its 40th year, provides free food three days a week to roughly 70 residents each distribution day.
Decades of Service
Bernadine Judson, the pantry’s outreach coordinator, recalls the program’s humble beginnings. “We started with two bags of groceries. Sister Eva was the one who started the program and thought whoever came to the church should be fed, and that’s where we’re at now. We don’t turn anyone away,” she said.
Today the pantry operates on a site across the street from Arroyo Grande High School, allowing clients to walk through a line and select items such as meat, canned goods, pasta and other pantry staples. Once a week, volunteers also distribute fresh produce, bread and rescued grocery items.
Impact on Families
Clients say the assistance makes a tangible difference in their household budgets. “It means a lot. This food helps. Everything is getting so expensive at the store,” said Reyna Fraijo, a longtime patron who has relied on the pantry for 12 years. Fraijo added, “I’m very thankful. Thank you to God that we have this help.”
Judson estimates the pantry helps “thousands of people every year,” noting that the program not only eases grocery bills but also offers a sense of community and hope.
Support Network
The pantry’s inventory is sustained by a network of donors, local farmers, volunteers and food‑rescue programs. Major contributors include the San Luis Obispo (SLO) Food Bank and the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, which extend service into neighboring Santa Maria.
A newer partnership with Must! Charities and the SLO Food Bank brings fresh, high‑quality produce to the pantry and its partner nonprofit agencies. “Our partnership with Must! Charities is so great because it allows us to get feedback from the neighbors we serve and use that feedback to purchase food for our agency partners,” said Savannah Colevans, SLO Food Bank Community Engagement Director.
Turkey Drive Collaboration
In addition to its regular operations, the pantry is joining News Channel 12’s annual Turkey Drive, which runs through Thursday, Nov. 19. Donations collected in San Luis Obispo County will support SLO Food Bank clients, while contributions from Santa Barbara County will benefit the Good Samaritan Shelter and other local nonprofits.
Community members who wish to contribute can learn more about the Turkey Drive through the News Channel 12 website.
Looking Ahead
With continued support from parishioners, local businesses and regional food banks, St. Patrick’s Outreach Pantry aims to maintain its vital role in the Central Coast food‑security network, ensuring that families can keep a table set even as prices rise.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
