Fresno Pacific University students and residents near the main campus in Southeast Fresno will get a boost thanks to contributions provided to the Sunbird Pantry. Fresno City Council Member Luis Chavez, whose District 5 includes the main FPU campus, stopped by the pantry Wednesday, October 3, 2018, to present pallets of food and a $1,000 check from himself and Sal Quintero, District Three Fresno County Supervisor and former District 5 council member. The food came from Kraft and other food processors located in District 5. FPU students created, manage and staff the pantry, which is overseen by the FPU Office of Spiritual Formation and Diversity and located in a house owned by the university. Donations come from the community and collaborations with Poverello House, Catholic Charities, Senior Citizens Village, Butler Church and other congregations. The pantry, which is open five days a week for students and one day a month to the community, also provides hygiene kits and clothing, including professional attire for those seeking jobs, and finance and budgeting classes.
Chavez and FPU University Pastor Angulus Wilson posed with pantry student workers. From left to right, Alexis Ravelo, Christina Truong, Kayla Deshay, Chavez, Vivianna Vasquez, Roy Warren (pantry manager), Wilson, Sierra Warren and Alyssa Ravelo.