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Volunteers and donations needed for new Choice Pantry

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Posted at 2:50 PM, Feb 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-19 18:43:10-05

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Volunteers and donors are needed for a redesigned food pantry in Corpus Christi.

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi will be holding a grand opening for its renewed food pantry, Choice Pantry, on March 2. The facility is located at 615 Oliver Court near Nueces Bay Boulevard and Leopard Street. Catholic Charities maintains six food pantries across the diocese. Choice Pantry is considered its main pantry.

Catholic Charities says they've redesigned the pantry in preparation of the recent cuts to the foodstamp program. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government assistance program that helps supplement food budgets. The pantry will allow those seeking food assistance to choose or shop for the foods they want as opposed to receiving pre-packaged bags of food as done before. The pantry will be formatted like a grocery store and carts provided by H-E-B.

Catholic Charities says this system not only provides clients a sense of dignity and control but also prevents food waste. Clients won't take foods they won't eat and throw them away. The food selections will vary from month to month, but foods from each of the nutritional food groups will be available. Catholic Charities says it's working closely with the Coastal Bend Food Bank, H-E-B, and Grow Local to keep their pantries stocked. The Walmart Foundation and United Way provides financial assistance.

For anyone seeking assistance, an appointment can be scheduled or walk-in's are welcome. The client can choose to meet with Budget & Money Management staff and a SNAP/Outreach Coordinator to learn whether they qualify for SNAP benefits or if they already receive benefits, how to stretch their budget. The pantry is designed for low to no income persons, however, they will meet with individuals to ensure food is provided to all who need it. A card will be provided to the client with a count for items they can take from each category. Catholic Charities says the more donations they can receive, the more items a client can have.

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers will help staff the pantry and help to restock the pantries, pick ups, weekly food orders and maintenance. Food donations are also needed especially healthy food options for clients with diabetes or low sodium requirements. To volunteer, donate or learn more about the pantry, call (361) 884-0651. You can also visit www.catholiccharities-cc.org.

A grand opening for Choice Pantry is Monday, March 2 starting with a blessing from Bishop Michael Mulvey at 10 a.m.