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St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church began our journey by asking ourselves, what needs are not being met in our community and what can we do about it? We connected with other local non-profits and discovered there are multiple systems, such as food banks, in place assisting with food insecurity in our local area. However, families with infants have other essential needs, specifically formula and diapers, that were not being met. And thus, the Infant Pantry began.
Starting in September 2021, once a month we distribute formula, wipes, diapers and nursing pads. The church relies on local partnerships. Family Assistance Ministries, an Orange County faith-based nonprofit organization, donates diapers each month. Members of Padres Unidos, a St. Margaret’s partner since 2013, keeps the local Hispanic community informed of the pantry distribution days. And the San Clemente Military Family Outreach, publicizes our schedule on the Camp Pendleton Mom’s Facebook page.
Each month families begin arriving around 8:30 to get in line for our drive through distribution that begins at 9:30. We have 3 stations: Welcome, Formula, and Diapers. Our guests stop at each station to be greeted by one of our volunteers and provided the requested items. Occasionally we have a special item stop as well. For example, during our December distribution, each family received a Christmas stocking stuffed with various fun items. 190 stocking were stuffed by parishioners, our Sunday school children, and a local Girl Scout Troop.
76% of our families are returning, demonstrating their reliance on our pantry to feed their infants and help make ends meet. With new families each month, the number of infants served has continued to grow. In the 41 consecutive months of operation, we have provided for 5,747 families with 9,306 infants, averaging 262 infants per month in 2024. About 30% of our families are from Camp Pendleton, the balance largely from the local Hispanic communities. Diapers are graciously donated by Family Assistance Ministries. All other products are purchased from monetary contributions to our Infant Pantry. 100% of all contributions are used to purchase products.
Each month 20 volunteers enjoy several hours together distributing items to our guests. As one volunteer said, “Caring about other people and getting to serve people is a good thing for your heart.” More importantly, here are some comments from our moms. “The cost of everything has gone up astronomically; this takes the burden off,” said a Camp Pendleton mom, a regular visitor since the pantry opened. “Being able to come here prevents us from having to choose between groceries and diapers.” Another mom told us, “I have a ten-month-old baby, and this has been helpful for us. You know, everyone needs extra help at some point in time, so just to have this community is really so nice.”
We welcome all who would like to join us on a distribution Saturday. Check out the St. Margaret’s website for the Infant Pantry schedule https://stmarg.org/infant-pantry/.