Ramona Food and Clothes Closet launches emergency food drive

The lines at the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet’s in-store pantry have been long since the beginning of November.

Since the government shutdown began last month, not only have many people gone without, or with greatly reduced SNAP benefits, but federal workers and military staff have not received paychecks.

“People didn’t receive their paychecks and realized SNAP had become hopeless,” said Cammie Morgan, vice president of the organization. 

But the RFCC had anticipated a surge in the need for food and in preparation, launched an emergency food drive on Nov. 1.

“People were — and still are — scared about how they’re going to feed their families. Either their federal jobs have been shut down, their SNAP benefits have been stopped or they can’t find jobs,” Morgan said. “These people are from all walks of life, all ethnicities, and some have never had to ask for food before.”

The government shutdown ended Nov. 12, but federal employees and those in the military still face a delay in getting paychecks.

Morgan said a number of military families live in Ramona, and they have no paychecks coming in and no SNAP benefits.

“We were inundated with people in need,” she said, noting that they have not yet compiled numbers or statistics relative to the increased food distribution. “We were getting so many requests, and our food supply was just not keeping up.”

The organization quickly reached out to the community asking for food they can redistribute to those who need it.

“Check your kitchen pantry and see what you can give — everything is welcome,” Morgan said. “We know you probably have unexpired stuff that you aren’t going to eat. Give it to us, we can work with it.”

Donations can also be given directly to the RFCC at the drive through, 773 Main St. Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or can be placed at collection boxes around town.

Collection boxes can be found at Main Street Coffee, 680 Main St.; Anytime Fitness Ramona, 850 Main St.; Ramona Family Naturals Market, 325 6th St.; Rise and Shine Coffee Shop, 1664 Main St. Suite C, and Regina Flores Real Estate, 850 Main St. 

Morgan said that not only have the businesses encouraged their patrons to use the collection boxes, but other shops in town have been supportive, such as both locations of Dollar Tree and Kahoots Feed and Pet Store.

Although the RFCC doesn’t have a pet pantry, Morgan said Kahoots donated 365 pounds of dog and cat food and has stated they will “help for the long haul.”

For many people unable to find food provisions, the RFCC has been a lifeline. 

“People were distraught and in tears; so fearful, yet so thankful,” Morgan said.

Residents needing food assistance can visit the pantry office inside the store Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Various other food items are available on Saturdays and Sundays.

The regular Feeding San Diego monthly food distribution takes place the third Friday of every month in the back parking lot of the store. The next scheduled distribution is Nov. 21. 

“Ramona has been increasingly stepping up,” Morgan said. “Our community comes together in times of need.”

With so much need — and the Christmas holidays just around the corner — the RFCC will likely continue the food drive through Dec. 15, she said. 

They anticipate there will still be a need in the coming months for the in-store pantry, monthly food distribution and the annual Share Your Christmas program, in which toys and holiday food boxes are provided to hundreds of families in Ramona and the backcountry communities.

For more information about the Ramona Food and Clothes Closet, visit 773 Main St. or call 760-789-4458.