St. David’s Food Pantry

(This ministry has been permanently put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.)

Jesus told us to “feed my sheep,” and it is this directive that is at the heart of the St. David’s, Clairemont food pantry. In 2009, a parishioner who was neither homeless nor destitute, was unable to feed the family on social security benefits alone. A parish volunteer contacted Fresh Rescue, a grassroots operation made up of grocery store managers who were dedicated to feeding the hungry rather than throwing food in the dumpster. One thing led to another and St. David’s Food Pantry was born.

In 2012 Fresh Rescue handed their operations over to Feeding America San Diego (FASD). FASD maintains strict guidelines for food storage, distribution and record-keeping. With a grant from the Episcopal Church’s Jubilee Network, a refrigerator and freezer were purchased to ensure compliance.

Each week, a crew of dedicated volunteers (most of whom have been food pantry clients in the past) bring donated food to St. David’s. Food items are currently received from Albertsons, Sprouts and Starbucks. People regularly find produce, meat, dairy products, deli items, bread and other baked goods on the pantry shelves.

Currently, the pantry distributes 1,400 pounds of food every Sunday, reaching 40 – 50 households, approximately 200 – 250 people. All who need food are welcome, without discrimination. The pantry is open to parishioners after both Sunday services. It is also open to the general public from 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. on Sundays.

Feeding America has identified our neighborhood, Clairemont, as an underserved area and is eager to help St. David’s. Our pantry is on the 2-1-1 resource list. Those who benefit from St. David’s Food Pantry are the unemployed, the under-employed, the disabled, the elderly, victims of broken homes, and any person who is in need. The pantry provides a lifeline and hope to those without food for themselves and their families.
We are grateful to be able to operate St. David’s Food Pantry and carry out the mission of Jesus Christ in the Clairemont area. +