Helping feed the hungry in the community

Participants in the Community Food Pantry operated by the Crestline Seventh-day Adventist Church recently remembered their opening in June 2023. That first week six people were served. A year later the pantry serves an average of 70 people weekly, including 225 family members.

Food is available to local residents on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church located at the corner of Waters and Spruce in Valley of Enchantment.

“A variety of food is available and varies somewhat from week-to-week,” said Bonnie Cole, church head elder. “Fresh produce, canned goods, rice, pasta, tuna, bread, eggs and milk are some examples. Our pantry allows recipients to choose what they would like from available products only limited by quantities.”

The pantry originated after last year’s record snowfall at the suggestion of Kim Kuhm, a local cab driver, who had started another food pantry. At first the church obtained food from San Bernardino County, which helped various groups provide food to residents affected by the blizzard.

After that food ran out at the end of 2023, church members were able to receive food from other sources such as Community Action Partners of San Bernardino County, which has supplied both produce and items such as bread, meat and packaged goods. Community groups in Riverside, Perris and San Bernardino brought produce from markets in Los Angeles to the Inland Empire. Donations have given the church money to buy other food such as eggs and milk.

Several recipients of food from the pantry shared their thoughts on the outreach.

“I think it’s a great way to make sure that families have food. For me it helped my family for the whole week,” said one woman.

“I’m very grateful for the food bank because, unfortunately with everything that’s going on, I can’t afford to buy food,” said a man. 

“It’s great. It’s a must. We need food and it has helped our family tremendously,” remarked another person.