Los Alamos Reporter

First United Methodist Church Seeks Donations For Food Pantry As Holiday Season Approaches

The outdoor food pantry at the First United Methodist Church at 715 Diamond Drive in Los Alamos. Courtesy photo

BY CAMILLE SACKETT-WESCOTT
First United Methodist Church

As Thanksgiving approaches, many dream of feasts with juicy turkey, creamy potatoes, and sweet pies with buttery, flaky crusts. Others, however, struggle to afford the food their family needs each day. Over 4,000 people in Los Alamos County are wondering if they will have enough food (see the Los Alamos Health Services Gap Analysis Final Report from March 2020). Many of these people have steady jobs, but their income isn’t high enough to meet their basic needs. 

Teachers who work in the public schools and daycares pick up food from the Food Depot or LA Cares food distributions during the summer. Teachers cannot take advantage of morning distributions during the school year. Does a single parent with a job at Smith’s have enough time on their unpredictable break to park in line and wait for food? 

First United Methodist Church, at 715 Diamond Drive, added a food pantry for these reasons. Everyone has access to the outdoor, bear-proof cabinet 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. All are welcome to pick up food such as Hamburger Helper, canned fruits and vegetables, and soap at any time. Just look for the brown metal cabinet near the front door of First United Methodist Church, with the logo on the side of the bin. 

Trinity on the Hill and the Unitarian Church both also have drive-up food pantries. 

We welcome non-perishable food donations and toiletries. The food must not be expired. Please drop food off directly into the food pantry cabinet by the front door of the church. 

In addition to the food pantry, First United Methodist Church also collected sleeping bags for those who don’t have a warm place to sleep. Would you like to keep a sleeping bag in your car to give to a person in need? Just stop by the church office Monday through Thursday between 9 and 2:30. If you have questions about the food pantry or sleeping bags, then call (505) 662-6277.