By DL White
On an extremely wet weekend in the Valley of the Sun, one in which streets flooded, cars stalled, and the downpour continued early Saturday morning, the latter part of September and on into October, the thought to not set up and distributing food was never discussed by those committed to the task across the Valley.
Those responsible for the fourth Saturday food distribution at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, arrived in the rain, waited and began their normal routine of setting up cones, tables and other necessary props for distribution a few hours later.
While this crew is more familiar with the high heat that greets them from May – September, the threat of rain, presented a new set of challenges, yet the coordinating team did not blink.
“When it is hot, we have to be concerned with meats and any dairy products being out too long,” noted Lee Topps, one of the PRBC coordinators for the food distribution.
Rhoshawndra Carnes, PRBC Food Distribution Ministerial lead, echoed Topps concern for the products that might be impacted by heat, revealing, “We keep those items on dry ice as long as possible. We have been quite successful in maintaining those items; however, rain presents a new challenge.
“With rain,” continued Carnes, “Boxes and bags get wet, and they are not strong enough to hold the vegetables, fruit, all the items we are distributing. Thankfully, the rain stopped just as the truck delivered the food. We had a relatively nice, cool distribution. I all take that any fourth Saturday.”
Food prices continue to rise despite the promises by the current administration to immediately address that concern during the run-up to the 2024 elections. Rather, eggs are still high, and other products, especially vegetables, have risen.
As one Coordinator shared during the brief orientation prior to the distribution, “Because hunger does not take time off and families, a growing number of families across the valley, need and depend on the monthly distribution to bridge the gap between what they can afford and what they need, the food pantry will continue and we will be here to do our part.”
Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the average cost of goods and services, noted an increase in grocery prices for the seventh consecutive quarter. The price for food at restaurants has increased by 3.8% over the past year as well.
With the attacks by ICE on farms and other locations in which seasonal farm workers and immigrants have been the primary source of labor (Not Blacks – these are not Black jobs), many farmers are losing crops, without the labor force to bring the crop to market.
Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the average cost of goods and services, noted an increase in grocery prices and the price for food at restaurants has increased by 3.8% over the past year as well.
In response to the rising food prices – Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church along with several churches from the far-westside Skyway Church and several in the immediate proximity have continued the valuable community uplift – 4th Saturday Food Distribution.
The cost of food, especially meat, poultry, fish and eggs, has spiked over the past several months and continues to rise.
The Food Pantry is supplemented by the St. Mary’s Food Bank operating on the premise of “Bridging the gap for Arizona communities with nourishment for today and hope for tomorrow.”
On a daily basis the Food Bank feeds over 250,000 people through its outreach of services covering a reported 76.000 miles in partnership with seven hundred partner agencies.
The PRBC Food Pantry has been in operation for over 12 years, and on a monthly basis, not considering the holiday months of November and December, 350 – 500 families are consistently served with food boxes each month.
There are no qualifying or disqualifying criteria in terms of income, individuals will need to have a form of identification and address. The food box contains fresh vegetables, fruit, a meat product, bread, juices and chips.
Carnes, noted in her call out for volunteers, “Thank you for your commitment in supporting our community and outreach. We are honored to have you volunteer and assist in this viable service.”
“We understand the importance of what we do, and the service provided,” noted Carnes, adding, “We absolutely understand this service would not be possible without the many volunteers and organizations that come out each month. We are extremely grateful for everyone donating their time to this cause.”
“We have medical/nursing staff present during each distribution and we have “cooling stations” where individuals can take a break, sit down and cool off, if necessary,” noted Carnes.
Those individuals interested in volunteering are asked to arrive at the Church – to check in between 9am -10am, with an option of coming earlier 6am to assist with the setup if possible.
“In this day and time, we hear of families going without food, we are here to address that,” noted Lee Topps one of the onsite coordinators for the monthly food pantry.
For more information on the monthly Food Pantry at PRBC 1401 E Jefferson Street– contact Sister Carnes at rcarnes@pilgrimrestphx.org
Danny L. White currently lives in Phoenix, AZ. He is the author and creative lead for two books, the Sensational letter “S”, a children’s book focused on early reading comprehension and word development, and Discovering The Saunk in U, a celebration of youth conceived at the height of the pandemic. He is also an Adjunct faculty member at Maricopa College, and staff reporter for the Arizona Informant. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, in the Phoenix, Arizona Area.
Do you have to be a member of the Church to get help with food boxes? What is the address of the Church?
Thank You Very Much