Q: You were the second employee ever hired at the West Valley Food Pantry. What do you remember most about those early days?

A: What I remember most about those early days is how small we were. We did everything ourselves, with the help of volunteers, from unloading donations and stocking shelves to greeting clients and sweeping the floors at the end of the day. It all felt very personal. We knew most of the families by name, and we were building the system as we went. There was definitely uncertainty, especially around whether we’d have enough food each week, but there was also a strong sense of purpose that kept us going.

Q: How has the Pantry changed over the years?  How do the clients change?  What has remained constant throughout your time here?

A: Over the years, the Pantry has changed tremendously. We started as a small, mom-and-pop operation, but because of COVID-19 we grew into a much more structured organization. The demand increased so quickly that we had to develop new systems, expand our capacity, and operate in a more organized and efficient way.

Our clients have changed as well. We now see many people who are working but still not earning a living wage. They rely on the Pantry to help make ends meet. For a lot of families, we’ve become the difference between barely getting by and having enough to get through the week.

What has remained constant is our mission and our compassion. No matter how much we’ve grown, dignity has always been the core of our work. Every person who walks through our door deserves respect. That has not changed since day one.

Q: What moment stands out to you as especially meaningful?

A: One moment that stands out as especially meaningful was when a mother came into the

Pantry in tears and handed me a check. She told me that we had helped feed her son

during a very difficult time in his life.  He had been struggling with serious problems

and was experiencing homeless. She said that because the Pantry had been there for him when he had

nowhere else to turn, she wanted to give something back.

I’ll never forget that moment. It reminded me why we do this work and how deeply it can

touch a single family.

Q: You are beloved by clients and volunteers, alike, what keeps you motivated and

coming in with a smile every day after all these years?

A: I really do feel the affection my colleagues and clients have for me, but I love them even

more. That love and the sense of community we’ve built  is what brings me back

every single day. Appreciation from clients means so much, and it’s the relationships and the

shared purpose that truly keep me going.

Q: And finally, the hardest question of them all, what is your favorite condiment and why?

A: Mustard is my favorite because it tastes good and is healthy.  

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