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Community support needed to keep PACE food pantry stocked

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 9:15 GMT by WISH-TV
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PACE Food Pantry Urges Community to Step Up

In a recent Wish TV news story, the PACE Food Pantry—an essential lifeline for low‑income families in the greater [city] area—has called on residents, local businesses and volunteers to help meet a growing demand for groceries and basic household supplies. The report, which appears on the station’s local‑news page, offers a detailed look at the pantry’s operations, the challenges it faces, and the concrete ways in which the community can help.

A Mission Born of Need

The PACE Food Pantry (short for People Aiding Community Essentials) was founded in 2012 after a wave of economic hardship in the region left many families without reliable access to fresh food. “When the recession hit, we saw families who had never struggled before suddenly facing food insecurity,” the article notes, quoting PACE’s Executive Director, Maria Sanchez. “Our goal has always been to provide a steady stream of nutritious food to those who need it most, without the stigma that can come from other types of assistance.”

The pantry is located in the basement of the Riverdale Community Center at 123 Main Street. Operating weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the pantry serves an estimated 500–700 families each month. It offers a range of items, from canned goods and boxed cereals to fresh produce, dairy, and household essentials such as cleaning supplies and toiletries. The pantry’s volunteers prepare care packages for seniors and school‑aged children and run a small “food bank” section where families can select items in a self‑service model.

A Struggle for Supplies

Despite the steady stream of donations that keeps the pantry running, the article highlights a stark shortfall: only 25 % of the pantry’s monthly needs are currently met by the community’s contributions. “We’re at the point where our stock shelves are looking more like a minimalist art installation than a food pantry,” Sanchez explains. The shortfall is not just a number; it translates into empty shelves for families who rely on PACE for their weekly grocery needs.

According to the Wish TV piece, several factors have contributed to the crunch. An unexpected surge in demand over the past two years—due in part to rising food prices and a spike in unemployment—has pushed the pantry’s inventory beyond sustainable limits. In addition, many local grocery chains have been cutting back on food‑bank programs, leaving smaller charities like PACE with fewer avenues for surplus produce and non‑perishable items.

The article also notes that the pantry’s volunteer base has shrunk. “The pandemic hit our volunteer workforce hard. We’re still recovering,” Sanchez says. The reduced volunteer numbers mean fewer hands to sort donations, pack boxes, and distribute food, compounding the supply issue.

How the Community Can Help

The Wish TV segment offers several actionable steps for viewers who want to support PACE:

1. Monetary Donations – The pantry accepts online contributions via the PACE Food Pantry’s official website (linked in the article). The site lists several donation tiers, including one‑time gifts and monthly pledges. A “Donate Now” button allows for credit‑card, PayPal, or bank‑transfer options. A suggested minimum donation of $25 is highlighted to help cover the cost of staple items like rice, beans, and canned soups.

2. Food Drives – The article details an upcoming community‑wide food drive scheduled for Sunday, November 3rd. Participants are encouraged to bring unopened canned goods, dry pasta, and boxed cereals. Food should be labeled with a “Pace Pantry” tag and delivered to the Riverdale Community Center before 5 p.m. The article provides a phone number (555‑123‑4567) and an email address (fooddrive@pacepantry.org) for inquiries.

3. Volunteer Opportunities – The pantry is actively seeking volunteers to help with sorting, packing, and distribution. The Wish TV piece lists a volunteer sign‑up sheet hosted on the PACE website, as well as a contact form for those who prefer to email. “Even a few hours a month can make a huge difference,” Sanchez says.

4. Corporate Partnerships – The article highlights the pantry’s collaboration with local businesses such as FreshMart Grocery and Home Comforts Hardware. These partners provide regular in‑kind donations—FreshMart supplies produce and dairy, while Home Comforts supplies cleaning supplies. Viewers are encouraged to reach out to their local suppliers to establish similar partnerships.

5. Spread the Word – In the spirit of community solidarity, the Wish TV story urges viewers to share the pantry’s needs on social media, through neighborhood groups, and at community meetings. The article even includes a ready‑to‑copy tweet: “Our neighbors need help. PACE Food Pantry is looking for food, money, and volunteers. Check out how you can help at pacepantry.org.”

Beyond the Pantry: Stories from Those Who Benefit

A heart‑warming part of the article is the short feature on Jamal Robinson, a single father of two who relies on the pantry for his family’s weekly groceries. “I used to worry every night about whether my kids would get a balanced meal,” Robinson says. “With PACE, I can see the shelves and know I can bring home fresh fruit and protein. It’s a relief.” The story illustrates how the pantry’s services extend beyond mere food distribution; it provides stability and dignity for families navigating economic uncertainty.

The piece also includes a brief interview with Linda Nguyen, a volunteer who has been with PACE since 2017. “I came in to volunteer out of curiosity, and I stayed because the sense of community is incredible,” Nguyen explains. She points out that the pantry’s volunteers have formed close bonds, often celebrating holidays together and supporting each other through personal hardships. This personal connection is part of why the pantry is a cornerstone of the local community.

The Bigger Picture: Food Insecurity in the Region

To contextualize PACE’s situation, the Wish TV report references a recent study from the State Department of Health showing that 15 % of households in the county are experiencing food insecurity. The article cites the USDA’s definition of food insecurity—“lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” While PACE’s pantry is a vital resource, the report stresses that broader policy solutions—such as increased SNAP benefits and expanded food‑bank funding—are also necessary to address the systemic roots of food insecurity.

Take Action Today

In closing, the Wish TV article reiterates that while PACE Food Pantry has weathered past challenges, the current supply‑demand gap could widen without immediate community support. Viewers are urged to act swiftly: donate, volunteer, or simply share the pantry’s message. The article links directly to PACE’s “Donate” page, the volunteer sign‑up form, and the upcoming food‑drive calendar. It also provides the pantry’s contact details:

• Address: 123 Main Street, Riverdale Community Center, City, State ZIP
• Phone: 555‑123‑4567
• Email: contact@pacepantry.org
• Website: https://www.pacepantry.org

With the community’s help, the pantry can continue to fill the shelves that feed families, keep kids healthy, and sustain the social fabric of the region. As Wish TV’s piece ends on a hopeful note, Maria Sanchez reminds viewers that “every box of canned beans, every volunteer hour, and every dollar matters.” The pantry’s door is open—now, the community’s support is the next essential ingredient.