Yvonne Johnson, food service director forHopeCommunityChurch, estimates that the church has served more than 7,000 people, and most weeks more than 150 people enter its doors.”It is a necessity in our community, not a luxury,” she said. “This is important to the people of our community. Even though most are working full-time jobs, they just don’t have enough money to buy groceries.”
Austindoes not have as many grocery stores as other less-populated neighborhoods, forcing residents to travel outside of the community if they want to shop at larger stores such as Dominick’s in nearbyOak Park. Fresh vegetables and fruits, however, get distributed through the food pantry.
Janice Dendy, 53, a lifelongAustinresident, has relied on the food pantry since it opened in 2005.”This is so helpful to my family, and we are really appreciative of this,” she said. “Almost everyone on my block comes and stocks up on fresh fruit, vegetables and even sometimes meat.”Dendy, a diabetic who must be careful about what she eats, adds that the selection of food is always good.”I wouldn’t be able to afford this type of healthy food at my house,” she said. “I honestly don’t know what we would do without this program. I can’t afford these foods, and I need the vegetables and fruit . . . it is so important for me and my family to eat healthy.”