Early on a Tuesday morning in August, 31,000 pounds of russet, Idaho, and golden potatoes arrived at YLM through the generosity of Orphan Grain Train. The annual shipment quickly became a community effort as YLM connected with organizations throughout El Paso to share the abundance. Within a few days, several thousand pounds had been picked up and distributed, leaving only the final pallets for families arriving at YLM’s Saturday morning Food Pantry Drive-Thru.
The summer months have brought an increase in families seeking assistance with food insecurity. Through YLM’s continued partnership with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, nearly 200 families are receiving food every Saturday morning. Boxes filled with dairy products, fresh produce, meat, and nonperishable goods help families stretch their resources and put food on their tables.
This ministry has deep roots. What began through Centro Cristiano San Pablo in 1982 is YLM’s oldest ministry program and today remains its most consistent outreach to the community. More than four decades later, the need continues, but so does the network of partners committed to meeting it.
Partnerships with organizations such as Orphan Grain Train and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger make it possible for YLM to continue placing food directly into the hands of families who need it. Whether through 31,000 pounds of potatoes arriving on a Tuesday morning or food boxes distributed every Saturday, these partnerships allow YLM to respond consistently to food insecurity while caring for our neighbors through simple acts of kindness.
