Harmony in Action: Food Pantry Volunteers and Donors
When it opened in 2008, the Food Pantry was a small but important addition to the programs offered for Grace Place families. Good nutrition helps students show up at school prepared to learn, so helping with groceries seemed like a good idea.
Fast forward through several hurricanes and the pandemic – and we find that supporting families facing food insecurity has become a key part of our mission, and our partnership with the Golden Gate community. We now serve more than 400 people each week. Unlike some food distribution programs, Grace Place operates as a choice food pantry. Residents choose fresh fruit, veggies, meat, dairy and shelf-stable foods that they know their families will eat. There’s no waste, which is so important as food prices seem to rise daily and obtaining fresh produce is increasingly difficult.
Volunteers are the heart of the food pantry. Some have been with us for years, like Karen, Pam and Debbie, who say they gain as much out of the volunteer experience as they give. This year, we welcomed teams of co-workers from businesses like 5/3 Bank, Charles Schwab and J.P.Morgan, as well as staff from Naples Hotel Group and JW Marriott Marco Island. It does take a village. Here’s why.
Each Friday morning, staff and volunteers set up tents and tables near the back parking lot. They sort the shelf-stable items donated by the community and organize them on the tables. Staff will stage perishable items, which have been delivered by Midwest Food Bank and Harry Chapin Food Bank throughout the week. The Grace Place food pantry is recognized as the largest permanent food distribution site in Collier County for Harry Chapin Food Bank. We also receive supplies from Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL, St. Matthew’s House and the US Department of Agriculture.
During the afternoon shift (1 – 4pm) as many as 10 volunteers assist families who shop for foods, including items stored in a large freezer. Some area residents walk to campus, but many drive. We register participants, but they are not required to be enrolled in a Grace Place program.
We’ve been fortunate to receive special donations for holidays, allowing us to buy items that might be out-of-reach for most families, such as frozen turkeys at Thanksgiving. Homeowner associations have generously hosted food drives for the non-perishable items on our website.
After Hurricane Ian, food supplies diminished, primarily because other areas, including Lee County, were hit hard by the storm and needed additional food resources. Recently, there has been a decline in fresh produce donations. New shortages and supply chain issues create challenges that we never anticipated 15 years. Our volunteers and donors keep us ready to open every Friday.
If you’re interested in volunteering at our Food Pantry, individually or with a group, please contact Melisa Mast at 239-255-7275 or melisa.mast@graceplacenaples.org.
