Open Door Food Pantry: A Lifeline in South Walton
In South Walton, the Open Door Food Pantry truly lives up to its name. It’s a place where anyone in need can find help, no matter the time of day. Willie O’Neal, a dedicated volunteer, shares, “We are open to serve, morning or afternoon. Anyone can come in for food.”
Since its start in 2018, the pantry has grown tremendously. Initially, they served around 100 people each week. Now, that number has skyrocketed to over 2,500, according to pantry manager Carole Bishop. She reflects on the strong bonds formed with community members: “We’ve known many since day one. We’ve seen them grow and start families.”
Volunteers work hard to sort and organize food donations inside the pantry. A lot of the food comes from Emerald Coast Food Rescue, which delivers three times a week. Unfortunately, these deliveries are expected to decrease soon, making the need for donations even more vital. Bishop notes that January and February are particularly challenging months when supplies tend to run low.
Serena Robison, another volunteer, emphasizes the local impact they make. “With everything going on right now, it feels overwhelming. I may not be able to change the big picture, but I can help right here at the food bank.”
This sense of community is what keeps volunteers like O’Neal returning. “You get to know the people, almost like family,” he says.
This year, the Open Door Food Pantry has served over 126,000 individuals. As they move into the new year, they remain committed to their mission of feeding the community.
A Growing Need for Support
As inflation impacts more households, food pantries everywhere face growing demand. Recent data from Feeding America reveals that 53 million people turned to food banks in 2021, reflecting the rising need. Local organizations like the Open Door Food Pantry are crucial lifelines in these challenging times.
Efforts to address hunger rely heavily on donations and volunteer efforts. Community members are encouraged to become involved—whether by donating food or volunteering their time.
In a world where helping out can feel overwhelming, the actions of the Open Door Food Pantry remind us of the powerful impact we can make right in our neighborhoods.
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