Church responds to food bank’s SOS
Earlier this month the Yuma Community Food Bank announced that their food supplies were dwindling amidst the overwhelming impact caused by the influx of asylum seekers. The S.O.S. has prompted local groups and citrizens to gather extra supplies to offset the demand. A few months ago one local church saw the demand and decided to join the fight against hunger.
The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Yuma has long had their own food pantry which is stocked by members abd then given to those in need. During a meeting earlier this year members of the church’s Food Ministry spoke to the interim rector Dr. Cherian Pulimootil about expanding their program to help more of the community.
Since that meeting Dr. Pulimootil reached out to the Yuma Community Food Bank and since then the church has been added to the food bank’s roster of distribution centers. Food from the food bank is stored at the church and through the help of volunteers is given to those in need. Now, food from the food bank comes with guidelines which have to be followed in order to be a distribution center.
Along with specific storing procedures, those looking to receive food from the food bank must show a valid I.D. and prove residency. Dr. Pulimootil however will not let anyone go hungry and that’s where the church’s pantry comes into play. Dr. Pulimootil described his upbringing, growing up in a foreign country where poverty is rampant and sees no reason why anyone has to go hungry in America.
When asked why answer the call to help others he answered ” We don’t want anyone to go hungry, because in this country. I come from a different country and I have seen poverty a lot, there’s no need for someone to starve. That is the mission of this church, to seek out others and share Christ and to serve them”.
Those looking for assistance can call the church for upcoming events or check out their website
