Each week, hundreds of people visit the La Voz Sylmar Spanish church in San Fernando Valley to receive free food. For 10 years, the church has hosted this weekly food bank ministry that does much more than distribute food to people in need. There have been many baptized as a result of the ministry.

“This wouldn’t happen without the volunteers,” said Enoc Calderon, La Voz Sylmar Spanish church pastor. Not all volunteers are members of the church, but all share a common commitment to the importance of the ministry. Dora Canales, member of La Voz Sylmar Spanish church, is the food bank director. Each week, the food comes from Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, while Dora and others visit Vons, Trader Joe’s, and other stores to collect items on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The space has evolved over the years to support the ministry—collapsible canopies borrowed from Pathfinders have been replaced with a built-in awning on the storage building that serves to cover the preparation and service area.
The space has evolved over the years to support the ministry—collapsible canopies borrowed from Pathfinders have been replaced with a built-in awning on the storage building that serves to cover the preparation and service area.

Every Thursday afternoon, cars start lining up around 1:30 p.m. The gate opens between 3:30 and 4 p.m., followed by a short devotional and prayer time when guests hear an uplifting message and have an opportunity to share their prayer requests that the church will pray over on Sabbath.

After this, it’s time for the food distribution to begin. The walk-ins are always served first, then the cars come through. Each family receives two boxes of food, including bread, fruit, and more.

Volunteers—some who have been helping out for the whole day gather for a photo after the food bank closes and tear-down is complete.
Volunteers—some who have been helping out for the whole day gather for a photo after the food bank closes and tear-down is complete.

There aren’t many things that can interrupt this ministry. “Last week, it was pouring,” one volunteer said. “Rain or shine, we’re here.” Even in 100-degree weather or high winds, they remain faithful and committed to the mission of the ministry. Even around the holidays, the food bank won’t close its doors; instead of closing, it may open on a different day of the week.

The efficiency of the operation makes for a quick service that continues until food runs out. As cars continue to trickle in during tear-down, additional food boxes are assembled from whatever is left—the team tries to avoid letting anyone leave empty-handed. “People from different backgrounds, they come here with different cases and situations, and we always give something to them,” said Calderon. “Always, always.”