Volunteering at a Food Pantry Program at Cameron House, SF

Cameron House, San Francisco

During this time of year, many of us are busy spending time buying gifts for our loved ones. We are the fortunate ones; there are numerous who are not and are in need of assistance right here in SF.

The Food Pantry program is one of the Presbyterian church projects

At the last Sunday Service, we learned about the Food Pantry program from one of the board members. Every Thursday at 1:00pm, there is a group of volunteers associated with the Presbyterian church who has dedicated their time and effort to helping the needy in one of the communities in  San Francisco.



People with low income who have applied and are qualified for the food program will receive an ID card allowing them to come weekly and receive fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items to supply their nutrition needs.

A team of dedicated volunteers devote their time to the needy.

We went to Cameron House on Sacramento Street where the Food Pantry program is located before 1pm.  There were half a dozen volunteers standing  behind tables with fresh produce already.

Each week, the Food Pantry program distributes free produce to their clients. Today there were potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, oranges, egg plants, bags of rice, fish cakes and lentils.

Food Pantry distributes fresh produce for free to the needy in the area

Each volunteer  was responsible for handing out a specific item. S. was responsible for handing out potatoes and I was responsible for giving out onions.

Food Pantry clients wait in line at this location weekly for fresh produce.

The door opened right at 1:00pm and people with their shopping bags and carts were lining up to come in for their weekly supply of fresh produce.

We greeted them cheerfully while handing out the produce. They were very happy especially when they saw their favourite vegetable - sweet potatoes.

Food Pantry clients have to show their ID at the reception table.

There were four groups of people coming in for food. Some were old clients coming regularly while some were new ones who have to show their ID at the reception desk.

One of the clients leaving the centre with her fresh produce in hands. 

We took a five minutes break between each group and chatted with each other.  Time went by fast as we talked a little with the volunteers next to me.

Food Pantry is run every Thursdays in San Francisco

It was a good use of an afternoon. We got involved locally and understood more about the needs of the community.



















We were grateful to have this opportunity to serve one of the needy communities in San Francisco.








Walking by the Grace Cathedral after our volunteer work, we went in for a few minutes to see the dove installation.  We had dinner at a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant.
Getting back to the inn early enough, we were in time to enjoy the afternoon tea served in the living room with classical music playing in the background. It was a lovely way to end a good day!

R.T.
San Francisco
USA