Over the last few months, families across El Paso have been facing growing food insecurity. Rising costs, limited work hours, and unexpected expenses have stretched budgets to the breaking point. But another challenge has added to the strain: a noticeable decline in donations and funding to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, the local food bank Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) partners with every week. When the food bank’s resources shrink, every pantry in the city feels the impact.
YLM is no exception to this hardship.
Early one Friday afternoon, the food bank truck pulled up to YLM for its regular delivery. Staff and volunteers gathered as they always do, expecting the full load needed to prepare for the 150+ families who come every Saturday morning to the Food Pantry Drive-Thru. But as pallets were unloaded, it became clear something was different. Only half a truck had arrived –far less than what was needed.
It was a moment that sent many of us straight to prayer. We knew the need would only grow. Families would still arrive. Children, elderly adults, and working parents would still depend on those weekly food boxes. And we didn’t have enough. But God hears the prayers of His children.
In the last six weeks, we have seen His answer again and again. In early November, Orphan Grain Train (OGT) delivered several pallets of food –rice, beans, corn, cabbages, potatoes, and other staples that instantly strengthened our pantry shelves. It was the first sign of God’s provision arriving right when we needed it.
A week before Thanksgiving, Ascension Lutheran Church, a local congregation, delivered several tons of non-perishable food collected over just three weeks. Members of all ages took part, gathering items one can, one box, one bag at a time. Their generosity came at the perfect moment, filling a major gap and allowing us to prepare boxes for the busy holiday weekend.
Then, a second OGT delivery arrived –this time with a full pallet of canned corn and bagged beans. Combined with the weekly donations still coming from El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, YLM was able to distribute abundant food boxes to more than 190 families just last week. Every delivery felt like a reminder: God provides through His people.
Families continue to face real challenges. Many come through our drive-thru sharing worries about bills, medical needs, rent increases, or job instability. Yet each week, they also receive a moment of relief—a box of food prepared with care, a greeting from a volunteer, and the assurance that they are not alone.
In every pallet, every box, every act of kindness, we see God at work. He hears prayer. He provides. And we are grateful for the chance to share those blessings with others.
To all who donate to this ministry –thank you. Your generosity has become part of God’s answer to the prayers of hundreds. Because of you, families continue to be fed, encouraged, and reminded of God’s faithful care.
