The Shepherd’s Pantry

            For people in need any type of “needed” assistance, the Shepherd’s Pantry is the best place to fulfill those needs. Two summers ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering for a Shepherd’s Pantry at the in Glendora southern California. Although my time at the Shepherd’s Pantry was short, I made friends there. The great part about Food Pantries is that there is a lot to choose from for people in need of assistance or help. To make my case for the Shepherd’s Pantry, I will discuss what the Shepherd’s Pantry offers, types of people connected to the Shepherd’s Pantry, how they are funded, and the goal of a Shepherd’s Pantry.

            The Shepherd’s Pantry I went to offered food, haircuts, clothes, and counseling. The types of food there were things like salads, cakes, and other dietary products. However, I didn’t see the types of haircuts they did, since I was placed in the food area. Also, I didn’t see how their counseling works for people, given that it is handled by professionals. However, I did enjoy handing out the candy bars plus other tasty treats to people.

            The demographics of people in a Shepherd’s Pantry consist of customers with certain insecurities, religious members, volunteer staffers, and truck drivers. My role at the Shepherd’s Pantry was as a seasonal volunteer. My time at the Shepherd’s Pantry lasted for half a summer. Religious members of the Shepherd’s Pantry stem from different secular religions, and the volunteer staffers represent a variety of different types of people. Customers with insecurities, at the Shepherd’s Pantry, typically are people who lack funds to fulfill basic human needs.  

            Funding used by the Shepherd’s Pantry, to help people, come from different sources. A consistent amount of funding comes from government programs. Sometimes, local communities fund Shepherd’s Pantry services.  Occasionally, fund raising events are held to increase the Shepherd’s Pantry’s resources. Also, churches and other organizations donate to the Shepherd’s Pantry.  Ultimately, the Shepherd’s Pantry receives lots of support to carry out its mission.

            The Shepherd’s Pantry’s mission is to be the back-up provider for people in need of assistance. By providing for people, the Shepherd’s Pantry hopes to nourish the body and soul of those in need. Through the provisions for people, by being a source to quench hungry and provide peace of mind, the Shepherd’s Pantry hopes to provide people with some dignity through empathy. To clarify, the Shepherd’s Pantry’s mission is to honor God by being “givers” for people. If I had to sum up in one word what the Shepherd’s Pantry is, it would be givers.

            The Shepherd’s Pantry I went to has many things to offer people in need of assistance. Who they serve or service and what types of people comprise their organizations varies and changes overtime, but they remain constant to one goal. Through different outlets, the Shepherd’s Pantry maintains a steady business. And it is the Shepherd’s Pantry’s business to always provide those who need help. For more information about the Shepherd's Pantry please check out their website: www.shepherdspantry.com.