Parish Ministry
St. Didacus Food Ministry
MEND's Sylmar Satellite
Located in the Old Parish Center
14337 Astoria Street, Sylmar, CA 91342
Parish Office (818) 367-6181
Food Distribution / Distribucion de Comida
Every other Saturday of the Month / Cada otro sábado del mes 10:00 a.m.
Requirements / Requerimientos
- Identification /Identificacion
- Proof of residence /Prueba de residencia
- Birth Certificate /Certificado de nacimiento
(for children only /(de los niños solamente)
St. Didacus Food Ministry
Mission Statement To be faithful to the scriptures by demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ to our fellow man by feeding the needy. Matthew 25:35
History
The St. Didacus Food Ministry was established June 2000. We began by serving needy families in the Northeast San Fernando Valley once a month as a satellite site for MEND, a non-profit organization located in Pacoima. Since then, we have expanded to helping families twice a month with the help our dedicated volunteers.
Demographics
We help families or singles living in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, regardless of religion, immigration or economic status. Some of our clients are senior citizens on a limited income and the homeless. We currently assist over 100 families twice a month. The only requirement to receive food is to be in need.
Donations
Our parishioners have proven their generosity over the years by answering the call for donations during the holidays. We also receive donations from MEND and Vallarta Supermarkets in Sylmar. Parishioners and community members have helped us obtain baked goods and tortillas from Mission Foods and snacks from Little Debbie's. Other groups that have helped conduct food drives or make donations are The San Fernando Kiwanis, CHP, LAFD-SERTOMA, Curves, and Vons Supermarket. In 2008, we were blessed to be nominated and receive a private grant of $500. The members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Queen of the Americas have also made a commitment to donate food on a regular basis, by collecting food at their monthly meeting.
Volunteers
The pantry relies on many volunteers to load, unload, sort and distribute the donations. Our volunteers are from our church parish or church groups including the Catholic Daughters, St. Didacus School and the Confirmation Program as well as the Employment Development Department, Living Hope Community Church, family, friends and the community. Students may earn community service hours for volunteering at the pantry and our outreaches held throughout the year.
Outreach
While we are blessed with donations, they don't always include staples such as cereal, rice or beans. We don't usually get dairy items, produce or meat. This year, as we see an increased need, we are actively reaching out to organizations and groups to invite them to consider sponsoring a food drive or collection to benefit the needy. Groups are welcome to bring the donations on the day of distribution so they can meet the families and individuals in need. We are also seeking to make connections with other groups or organizations that can help whether it's once a month or once a year. To discuss this opportunity further, please call Norma Gallegos at (818) 667-2347.
Each one, help one
We in turn help other groups when we can with donations and volunteers. The more we give the more we get! Organizations we have helped include: MEND, The Sylmar Cold Weather Shelter (every December-March 15), Tijuana Children's Orphanage, The Elks Lodge Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach in San Fernando, Helping Hands Men's Recovery Home, Maclay House, First Baptist Church, Union Rescue Mission's Hope Gardens and Sylmar Park's Teen Extreme Program.
Disaster Assistance & Recovery
Our Ministry was first on the scene at Sylmar High School when it became the evacuation center during the 2008 Wild Fires. We provided bottled water and snacks to many scared and emotionally scarred residents. Many of our volunteers also jumped into action to staff and work the donation center at Sylmar Park.
Annual Events
Easter Basket distribution for Needy Children
Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the Needy at the San Fernando Elk's Lodge Christmas Toy Giveaway.
Future Plans
Next year, we will be celebrating our 10th year in Ministry! Save the Date info will be available soon.
