32,000 Pounds of Food Donated to 5 Loaves Food Bank

Sachse, TX — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended a helping hand to address the surging demand for food assistance in Sachse. A donation of 32,000 pounds of shelf-stable food was made to 5 Loaves Food Pantry on September 27, bolstering efforts to combat food insecurity in the community.

The donation, transported by a semi-truck from Salt Lake City, Utah, arrived in Sachse loaded with 21 pallets of essential items like flour, beans, milk, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni, and peaches.

Addressing the Surging Food Insecurity

With Sachse’s population estimated to be around 25,000 and rising, the need for food assistance has surged due to inflation and escalating food costs, leaving local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

A regular volunteer at 5 Loaves Food Pantry mentioned, “There can be as many as 127 families [visiting 5 Loaves] on a given day. There are days when the need is so great that we run out of supplies.”

Marsha, a previous beneficiary turned regular volunteer, shared her experience, stating, “5 Loaves was such a blessing at a time when I really needed it.” Retired prior to the pandemic, she decided to dedicate her time to volunteering and emphasized how fulfilling it has been. “I have gotten much more out of volunteering than I give,” she added.

Volunteers Unite to Alleviate Hunger

Twenty volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ, residing in the community and nearby areas, joined local volunteers to efficiently unload and prepare the donated food for clients.

Their concerted effort significantly reduced the time usually required for such tasks.

Carrie McMurdie, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Sasche and 5 Loaves Food Pantry board member, played a vital role in engaging local church members and raising awareness about the pressing food needs through JustServe.org. This involvement played an instrumental role in facilitating the food donation from Salt Lake.

Audrey Wallace, founder of 5 Loaves, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers, acknowledging their indispensable contribution. She highlighted the surging demand and the organization’s concern about potential shortages during this time of year. She mentioned the reliance on faith and the community’s support, recognizing these donations as a manifestation of God’s providence.

Established in 2015, 5 Loaves Food Pantry is a faith-based organization serving low-income community members in Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Garland, and neighboring areas. Alongside the food pantry, they offer various programs, including one for local special needs students to acquire essential life skills. For more information on their programs and volunteer opportunities, visit their website at 5loavesfoodpantry.org.