No One Needs to Go Hungry

Dear Editor,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Holy Cross Church, at the corner of Heyer and Center, has been offering food to the needy via our food cupboard. Our intent was to make available items to hold people over until other resources became available. On the cupboard doors you’ll find resources listed to help anyone in dire need. There are many food pantries in our area. No one needs to go hungry. The Cupboard Crew, that maintains this small resource, is frustrated by people donating perishable and expired food. This is a health hazard as there is no refrigeration. Yes, it’s a cold winter, but still left-overs from dinners will quickly rot. Expiration dates are a clue to all. The Crew removes these items as soon as we can. And, then we are burdened with what to do with perishable food. Our other concern is, recently, someone is taking everything from the cupboard within minutes of it being restocked. It’s as if the cupboard is their personal grocery store. We would hope someone that needy would use the resources listed on the doors. Because the Crew is such a small group of people, we cannot keep up with removing perishable foods or have enough donations to restock the cupboard as quickly as it is being emptied. Thus, we have decided to take a break from restocking while we reassess our plans for the cupboard’s future. We apologize to anyone who has graciously donated or respectfully uses the cupboard food. If you are in need, please call the Alameda County Food Bank helpline at 1-510-635-3663, or visit FoodNow.net. Your community so wants to help you thrive. Blessings to all.

–Debra Collins, Castro Valley