What do Vacation Bible School (VBS), Dorcas Ministries, and a food pantry have in common? At El Rio Spanish church, members have demonstrated the significance of different ministries working in tandem to share God’s love with the community in Oxnard.
The church is situated where many agricultural farm workers live with their families, often in crowded housing and without access to community resources. “Our local community includes people who I consider as having extensive care coordination needs: risk of homelessness, low income, refugee status, chronic health conditions, and so on,” said Pam Vanegas, food pantry coordinator at El Rio Spanish church. “People with these extensive needs may work long hours and have a difficult time accessing resources that would make life a little easier for them.”
Recalling her time as a Bible worker at Pasadena and Central-Japanese American Community churches, Vanegas felt compelled to find a way to minister to the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of the community. She remembered how in years past, parents whose children attended VBS shared that food was hard to come by—especially during the summer when children didn’t have access to school lunches.
“My heart ached knowing they may be looking forward to school not just for an activity for their children to attend,” Vanegas said, “but a meal as well.” When El Rio was preparing for VBS last year, Venegas prayed, and God placed on her heart the desire to host a food pantry at the church.
El Rio’s food pantry opened in June 2023, concurrently with VBS. Initially the ministry only focused on food distribution, then in November the church’s Dorcas ministry director asked to collaborate to also offer clothing and toys. These gently used items are donated by church members.
Now, the food pantry operates the second Sabbath afternoon of each month to accommodate visitors unable to access these resources during work hours. Food Share, Ventura County’s food bank, provides food for the distribution. The food is set up farmer’s market style so guests can choose what they’d like to receive. More than 80 families are served each month.
“Prior to starting the pantry, our team prays that the Holy Spirit may impress people to approach us,” Vanegas said. “It is wonderful to see the smile on people’s faces when they walk out of our pantry with a box filled with food and a bag of clothing, toys, and literature. By God’s grace, we meet the need for physical and spiritual food as well as clothing every time we host the food pantry.”
