Community Rallies to Support Local Food Pantry Facing Supply Shortages – St. Charles Herald Guide

In early June, Matthew 25:35 Ministries, a local food pantry in Destrehan, shared an urgent message on Facebook. Their shelves were nearly empty, and they needed help from the community.

Just days later, the organization posted again, this time with gratitude. The community responded with open hearts. Local businesses and churches organized donation drives. Grand Ridge Country Club, Shell, Valero, and Sacred Heart Church all pitched in. “Many have stopped by with food and funds since we announced our needs,” the pantry shared.

Mary Anne Schindler, the director of the pantry, noted the strong support. They serve 300-350 families each month, with distribution events every Wednesday. “St. Charles Parish has a community that steps up to help their own,” she said. Individuals have been generous, some even donating the “buy one get one” deals they find while shopping.

Unfortunately, summer often slows down food donations. Additionally, changes in funding have created challenges. The USDA recently ended federal programs that provided substantial aid. They cut back over $1 billion in support for food banks and schools, leading to shortages at Second Harvest Food Bank, which supplies Matthew 25:35. John Sillars, a chief officer for Second Harvest, mentioned that they anticipate losing 1.2 million meals from June to August.

This drop in federal support has hit food banks hard. Schindler pointed out that their typical truck delivery from Second Harvest dropped from 10,000 pounds to as low as 3,900 pounds in June. The pantry is now planning additional food drives to cope with this uncertainty.

Loreli Amy Rogers, the pantry’s board vice president, echoed the commitment to serve the community. “We cannot do this without the support we receive,” she said. She’s seen how anyone can find themselves needing help, whether temporarily or long-term.

Prayers and thoughts from the community are valuable, according to Schindler. The pantry accepts nonperishable food and encourages businesses to think of donating excess stock.

Feeding America reports that over 47 million people in the U.S. face hunger, including 1 in 5 children. In 2023 alone, more than 50 million people sought help from food assistance programs.

The community’s response during tough times highlights the importance of support networks. As shortages continue, local efforts become more crucial than ever. It’s a reminder of the strength found in unity, especially in challenging times.



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