Dear OSC Friends,
Many of you have asked me what will happen with our pantry as the needs of our neighbors are increasing with SNAP benefits not making their way to the 395,000 people in San Diego County who rely on the assistance. Please know, we are here!
For almost nine years, the Sanctuary Pantry has been a steady presence in Oceanside, showing up week after week to meet the needs of our neighbors. It has always been part of our history at OSC to offer healthy food those who are hungry and we will continue to do our part.
We have identified a way to take on another 92 new household’s immediately- this number is ticking down as we get calls every day. Additionally, we have put a plan in place for further growth if needed.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
We are purchasing food directly from Feeding San Diego to ensure our shelves are well stocked for the weeks ahead.
We are maintaining strong relationships with our current food partners: Sprouts, Gelson’s, Stater Bros, Fraizer Farms, and Smart and Final, who have all continued to share generously from their stores.
Our Justice Works team is advocating at the state and local level to help pantries like ours operate more efficiently and receive the resources we need to serve the community well.
We continue to collaborate with other local pantries and food banks to create a network of opportunity for our food insecure neighbors.
The truth is this: even families who receive CalFresh (SNAP) can no longer make ends meet. With grocery prices up nearly 25% in the past five years and average rents in North County San Diego up 52% since 2018, our Pantry has become the safety net beneath the safety net.
Through every season, this work has been a reflection of who we are as a community. We will not turn away from need; we rise to meet it together.
Thank you for being part of that faithfulness. Whether you serve, give, pray, or simply tell someone that we are here, your part in this work matters. The Pantry will continue to do what it has always done: open its doors, offer food, and extend love without condition.
With gratitude,
Rev. Jenell Coker
Co Lead Minister, The Oceanside Sanctuary
