Contributing positively to the community has been a guiding principle in Skip James’ life. His mother, a dedicated volunteer at the Sears Food Pantry, fostered this passion in him at a young age, ensuring its continuity to the present day.
“Volunteering was something she was always passionate about,” James remarked. “Whenever we came to visit, we would join her in participating in fundraisers.”
Such experiences left an indelible impression on Skip. He never forgot those experiences – nor the community. So, when he retired from his job in 2018, he had the time and freedom to reconnect with his deep passion and purpose.
“I knew that once I retired, this was what I wanted to do,” said James. “I loved the idea of returning to volunteer at the local Sears Pantry.”
At the outset of James’ stretch as a full-time volunteer, there were humble beginnings. Initially, the pantry’s operations were held in the basement of the Sears United Methodist Church, and services were only limited to local Sears families facing hunger. However, after partnering with Feeding America West Michigan Cadillac branch, the pantry was able to expand its reach, serve clients from nearby areas such as Hersey and Evart, and access larger quantities of food and supplies to fulfill its mission. In addition, their expansion has opened the door to an incredible support network that includes Mid-Michigan Community Action, supportive locals, and dedicated churches. Thanks to the generosity of this network, the pantry has been able to distribute from 30 to 40 pounds of food to approximately 100 families each month.
“If we reach a point where we need something that we can’t get anywhere else, we’ll call them, and there it is.” James said.
The pantry has also received ample support from companies such as Ventra, Cargill, and Yoplait.
It should be emphasized that The Sears Food Pantry is doing more than just distributing food. The pantry is also breaking down barriers through their home delivery service, helping neighbors overcome challenges such as transportation limitations, impaired mobility, volatile work schedules, and lack of time. The pantry also prides itself on being a client-choice pantry, which empowers neighbors to select their own groceries, like a grocery store experience.
Despite being a crucial bulwark for combatting food insecurity in their community, the Sears Food Pantry faces a range of challenges. The most salient is a fluctuating supply of products that neighbors may really want and/or need.
“We give protein, canned vegetables, and other fresh foods,” said James. “We go through an excess of a hundred boxes of cereal a month. It’s hard to keep that much cereal out. If a family comes in, and they have six kids, you have to give more than one box of cereal.”
The way the pantry is able to recover from inventory challenges is by issuing coupons to neighbors, which are accepted at Sears’ Ebels General Store. According to James, neighbors can use that coupon in exchange for a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk, and a dozen eggs.
“We give away 100 of those coupons a month,” said James. “We also donate 25 of them to our local school system and distribute those to the kids, many of which don’t have a permanent residence. They don’t always know where they’re going to lie down at night, and some are sleeping in campers in the back of houses with their families.”
There is a strong need for protection against food insecurity in Osceola County, specifically in Sears and its nearby areas. However, The Sears Food Pantry has been a critical component in the fight against this significant issue. Despite donations being down right now, and the passing of some substantial benefactors, the pantry still has the support and engagement of its community.