While January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions, it is also a time to pause for reflection on the year past and for giving thanks.
Who are Food Pantry volunteers?
Members of the Knights of Columbus who gather in the dark to organize the parking lot to handle families arriving to pick up food for themselves and often for others as well.
Members of the Parish Community who pick up food from our commercial partners, i.e. Safeway, Foodmaxx and the Contra Costa Food Bank where we put donated dollars to work purchasing additional food items.
Parish members who gather in the Small Hall and kitchen to sort, prep, pack, set up/clean up and distribute, no matter the weather.
Every person who drops off food donations, plastic grocery bags or donates money to the Food Pantry.
What did all these people accomplish?
In 2025, through the generosity of the members noted above, the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry was able to serve 6,988 families averaging about 130 a week. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving assistance was provided 179 families, an all- time high. Families range from a single person to 10 members, college students to retirees. With 6 stations operating, we provided a bag of canned goods, a box of fresh produce, dairy items, meat and baked goods, as well as miscellaneous items such as desserts, cereal, lunchmeat/sandwiches, juice, personal care products, etc.
Donated money is put to use purchasing food items at the Contra Costa Food Bank. Most recently, the Pantry was able to purchase a sixth commercial freezer through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and obtain a grant from the Food Bank.
Whether you contribute monetarily or physically, you are an import member of the
St. Bonaventure Food Pantry and we offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU” for your participation.