Offering a Hopeful, Helping Hand

Volunteer workers stock a variety of canned goods at the Shepherd’s Pantry in Glendora. Some other services that are offered by Shepherd’s Pantry are haircutting, clothing stores,
homeless food programs, reading and math tutoring, a Christmas Toy Store, community food baskets, Summer Reading Camps and emergency assistance programs. / photo by Vicente Rodriguez

by Brittany Snow
photography by Vicente Rodriguez

In the face of rising unemployment, housing instability, and a skyrocketing demand for food assistance, one Glendora-based nonprofit is meeting each challenge head-on.

Over the past few years, pivoting to drive-through distributions, expanding into new cities, and adding services like mental health support and case management, Shepherd’s Pantry has become a critical lifeline for thousands. The Pantry’s lines are long, with a consistent need, but so is their resolve to meet them—hope with a helping hand through one meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

Shepherd’s Pantry isn’t just another food distribution center. Before it became the one-stop shop for the community’s needs, the Pantry began in 2004 as an emergency free food delivery service operating out of a singular, small storage space in Glendora. By the end of that year, their small group of volunteers grew larger, and their storage space expanded to two units for all of their non-perishable food items. Just two years later, the Pantry found a location and expanded their services to more than just emergency food delivery, but also walk-in food distribution—one of the many services still beloved by the community.

The needs of the community increased, with several thousands of meals provided each year. And in 2019, the Pantry’s reach began to extend beyond its immediate surroundings. Today, resources are also being provided for the El Monte and Irwindale communities—an expansion that came about after the Pantry merged with Cory’s Kitchen, another food pantry founded in 1996.

After the merger, Shepherd’s Pantry’s outreach grew beyond food distribution and delivery to also offer clothing distribution, case management and appointment-based haircuts for the communities.

They discovered that a good way to gauge community needs is by hosting seasonal events. Their first was week-long summer camp in 2011. Today, they also offer annual year-end holiday food and toy drives, resulting in a consistent growth trend year after year.

Interim executive director Desiree Durkin is well acquainted with the ins and outs of the Pantry’s operations. She began volunteering for Cory’s Kitchen at the Irwindale location in 2017. Her role has grown to include case management, and she is now a full staff member. Her journey took a defining step when she joined AmeriCorps and worked at a homeless shelter before becoming involved with Shepherd’s Pantry.

“It was an eye-opening experience—realizing that many people in my own community were struggling with basic needs,” she says.

The Shepherd’s Pantry store in Glendora sells a vareity of non-food items, including clothes for children and adults. / photo by Vicente Rodriguez

One of the primary ways the Pantry engages with the community is through food distributions. At the main Glendora location, distributions are held every Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. On average, they serve more than 200 households in one distribution alone. It’s a vital service for families who may not have access to food otherwise. They also provide pet food, hygiene kits and baby formula. In addition, the Pantry provides specialized programs such as a bicycle repair initiative that helps clients get to work or school, and a senior delivery service that ensures older residents have access to essential goods.

One of the things that makes Shepherd’s Pantry unique is its self-certification system for food assistance. Clients are not required to present extensive documentation, making the process quick and accessible. The Pantry serves residents throughout Los Angeles County and, in emergencies, aids individuals from surrounding counties like Riverside and San Bernardino. Clients are able to receive food assistance up to three times per month at any Pantry location, including those eligible for home delivery. Those visiting the Glendora site may receive clothing assistance once a month at the facility’s clothing store, which offers an assortment of options for men, women and children.

A typical day finds volunteers and staff alike are busy preparing for distribution days, counting and bagging food items, picking up donations from local grocery stores, and ensuring that the pantry is stocked with essentials. However, “There really is no typical day here,” Durkin says. “We’re always preparing for something. Whether it’s a distribution, a special event, or a community partnership, there’s always something happening.”

On any given day, the pantry could be receiving donations of hot or frozen food from local restaurants, or new individuals may arrive to register for services. Case managers help connect clients with local housing or health resources, ensuring that their needs are met in a way that goes beyond just food distribution.

“We work closely with other organizations to provide clients with comprehensive support,” Durkin explains. “It’s about connecting the dots for them, whether that’s providing a hot meal or guiding them to other resources for housing or employment.”

Unwavering support from the community lies at the core of Shepherd’s Pantry’s success. Some 3,000 volunteers play a key role in organization, many of whom have been with the organization for more than 20 years. They help prepare food, sort donations, package goods and assist on distribution days.

“What I find most inspiring is the joyfulness and compassion of the volunteers,” Durkin says. “They truly have a heart for service. It’s amazing to see how people’s lives are changed through their interactions with the Pantry and our team.”

Pallets of canned proteins and canned vegetables sit in the warehouse at the Shepherd’s Pantry in Glendora. Shepherd’s Pantry began as a free emergency food delivery service before becoming what it is now. / photo by Vicente Rodriguez

Shepherd’s Pantry also offers various community-driven events that encourage people to get involved. Annual events like the Walk to End Hunger and Empty Bowls allow the local community to unite for a cause while raising awareness about food insecurity. Additionally, the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive—previously known as Stamp Out Hunger—plays a crucial role in sustaining the pantry’s operations. During this event, the local post offices send postcards to the community, asking residents to leave non-perishable food items outside for pick-up. Volunteers then collect these donations and bring them to the Pantry, ensuring that resources are available during slower months.

Like most nonprofits, Shepherd’s Pantry faces challenges related to limited resources, particularly during times of high demand. While they receive government-funded food through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, they also rely heavily on donations from individuals, schools and local organizations. Donation drives are frequently organized by Boy Scout troops and other groups, collecting essential items such as non-perishable food, shoes, clothing and hygiene products. Monetary donations are equally essential for operational costs, including utility bills and other expenses.

The growing demand for food assistance is a result of various factors, including economic instability and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Shepherd’s Pantry adapted to a drive-through model to ensure clients could receive services safely.

“The first day I volunteered, it was pouring rain,” five-year volunteer Steven Lwe recalls. “I had to run to cars in a mask and gloves while holding an umbrella. We were not allowed to touch anything. Everything had to be placed in bags, which felt so foreign, yet I fell in love.”

Although this model has been effective in meeting increased needs, it also requires careful preparation and resource management, as the Pantry must prepare for large volumes of clients, often with little notice.

“We are all human, and we travel this world together,” Lwe adds. “We all need help at some point in our lives, and I want to make sure that there is a welcoming and friendly place ready at all times.”

Looking ahead, Shepherd’s Pantry is planning for both immediate and long-term growth. Their hope to increase awareness about their services, as many people still don’t know that food pantries and case management services are available.

“It’s all about getting the word out,” Durkin explains. “We want everyone to know that help is available, and we’re here to support them.”

The strength of Shepherd’s Pantry lies in its volunteers and the community that supports it. “The most fulfilling part of this work is knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives, Durkin says. “We’ve built relationships, and we’ve created a community where people feel cared for.”

Shepherd’s Pantry is not just a place where food is distributed, it’s a symbol of hope, compassion and community. As long as there is need, Shepherd’s Pantry will be there providing hope with a helping hand to those who need it most.

Baby food and other canned goods being stocked and counted for inventory at the Shepherd’s Pantry in Glendora. Shepherd’s Pantry was founded in 2004 but was merged with another food pantry, Corey’s Kitchen, in 2019. / photo by Vicente Rodriguez