A Place to Give Back and Belong

When Clifford retired, he wanted a way to stay connected and give back to his community. Friends who volunteered at the pantry introduced him to the organization. Seven years later, he’s still showing up.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Clifford helps distribute food to neighbors. He also receives a food box for himself and his wife, helping stretch their retirement income as grocery costs continue to rise.

“It’s helping with the grocery bill,” Clifford says. “Everything has gone enormously sky high, and I don’t think it’s going to get any better.”

But the food isn’t the only reason Clifford keeps coming back. At the pantry, he regularly runs into former classmates, old coworkers, and neighbors he hasn’t seen in decades.

“I enjoy coming down here and meeting people that I haven’t seen in 30, 40, 50 years,” he says.

Clifford understands that asking for help can be difficult. His own father once struggled to make ends meet during a strike and felt embarrassed accepting assistance. Today, Clifford sees the pantry differently: as a place where people are welcomed, supported, and reminded they’re part of a community.

“Every family goes through stuff,” he says. “One day you have a job, the next day you don’t. It’s nothing that’s your fault sometimes.”

For Clifford, that’s why the pantry matters.

“What I usually tell people is, we’re here to make you smile and your life a little lighter.”