Local Pantry Fills Holiday Tables

Doug and Donna Eichten of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with Nancy McClay and Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Volunteers bagging fresh fruits and veggies for distribution.

December 21st was a busy morning, with cars lining the block at 8:00 AM for the holiday distribution.

Tis the season of giving. Thanks to the volunteer/donor from Our Daily Bread Food Pantry for their purchase of 1,200 chickens and small turkeys for the family Christmas and Hanukkah table.

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry staff working side by side with Winn Dixie staff, loading the chickens and small turkeys into the truck for cold storage till Saturday’s holiday distribution.

Chef Laura Owen, owner of LBeeO’s Hospitality Services, helps out at the Saturday holiday distribution for the Food Pantry.

Posted Wednesday, January 1, 2025 7:00 pm

By Maria Lamb

Ron McClay of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP),along with volunteers and staff from Winn Dixie, were busy loading up a pantry truck with a very special cargo. On Friday, December 20th, 1,200 six-pound chickens and small turkeys from Winn Dixie were the holiday cargo, thanks to a volunteer/board member and a generous donation. According to McClay, “Winn Dixie was able to facilitate an affordable price so every family gets to enjoy a Christmas and Hanukkah dinner. We could not have done any of this without our volunteers and Winn Dixie staff. Truly a team effort to get this ready for the Saturday Christmas distribution at the Winterberry location.”

Saturday, December 21st started out to be a very busy morning at the Winterberry location. By 8:00 AM, they had a line of cars that formed around the block. According to Evelyn Rosetti-Ryan, ODBFP’s Executive Director, “In addition to the distribution of 1,200 chickens and turkeys we also were distributing 703 boxes of cereal. Thanks to the recent St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Cereal Drive.” Rosetti-Ryan added, “The successful cereal drive surpassed all expectations. We cherish all our partners and supporters and thank them for sharing the spirit of the season.”

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)report, as many as 47.4 million people, including 13.8 million children, are living in food insecure households in America, resulting in one or more people in the household skipping meals or reducing intake because they couldn’t afford enough food.

Our memories of holidays usually bring up images of families gathering around the table and sharing a deliciously prepared meal. This image might be different for those who are facing food insecurity. According to Liz Pecora of ODBFP, “We are truly blessed being able to share the generous donation just in time for the holidays.” It is during this time of the year that ODBFP provides that much-needed lifeline, making sure nobody goes without a holiday meal.

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