By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com
Hungry? Need food? Just show up.
Anyone who’s hungry can get nutritious, free food at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church Food Pantry just by showing up. That’s been the case since pre-pandemic times, and it remains true as the pandemic winds down and summer begins.
“We want to remind folks that we’re here,” said Pam Luderitz, an elder of the church who runs the pantry. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. any Monday, Wednesday and Friday people can stop by to choose from canned goods, eggs, butter, milk, cheese, sometimes baby food, pet food and fresh produce as available.
Once located in a small closet inside the Yachats Commons, the church took over operation of the food pantry a year ago after the city of Yachats closed the building because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now it operates inside a larger space just inside the church entrance with access via West Sixth Street off U.S. Highway 101. Face masks are required, and are provided as needed. Soon, a sign will be posted at the intersection of Highway 101 and West Sixth Street advertising the pantry during open hours.
“There are no questions asked, no shame and no stigma,” Luderitz emphasized, adding that there are no residency requirements, either. “If you’re hungry, please come. We’re here for the community.”
Due to the pandemic, “There are people in need who’ve never been in need before. They don’t see themselves as the kind of person who’d go to a food pantry,” said Johnni Prince, one of about 25 volunteers, most not affiliated with the church, who staff the operation. She recently encountered a local woman going through hard times who didn’t know the pantry existed.
“How do you qualify?” she asked.
“You walk in the door,” Prince replied.
Donations of food — especially ready-to-eat protein — are always welcome. Since some clients are homeless, items that don’t require a can opener are most useful. Other top-need items include cheese (individually wrapped, or small bricks), fresh produce, baby and pet food. Gluten-free items are wanted, too.
The pantry is no longer accepting clothing (except socks — always popular), but there is need for waterproof shoes, bedding, toiletries, toilet paper and paper towels.
Monetary donations are welcome, as well.
“All the money goes directly to food,” said Luderitz, adding that the pantry has received grants recently from the Seal Rock Garden Club, and the Episcopal church in Waldport. Funds can be contributed via check (write “Food Pantry” on the memo line) and mailed to YCPC at P.O. Box 285, Yachats, OR 97498. Cash, placed in an envelope and marked “Food Pantry”, is also accepted in person.
