Jun 3rd, 2025
Clementine Food Pantry Stocks Shelves in Several Communities
Share this story
“God bless you, ladies,” said one tenant as he entered the Clementine food pantry. What began as a small supply of non-perishable food in a maintenance storage area has evolved into a support network for 14 OCH communities.
Cathy, a resident of Clementine Towers, started the pantry during the pandemic using food from her own kitchen. Now, she collaborates with community stores and receives donations. Over the past few years, Cathy has also helped expand food programs in other communities by coordinating a network of 31 volunteers.
Together with tenant volunteers, OCH’s Community Development team plays a significant role in supporting these food programs. They create connections between tenant volunteers in different communities through events and provide grants for essential items like shelves, refrigerators, and freezers to ensure adequate space for food donations. These grants are available through the Community Capital Fund, a tenant-led initiative that allocates funds for community improvement programs.
Cathy’s team of volunteers, whose ages range from 68 to 93, serve food with compassion and care. One of the volunteers, Ginette, has lived at Clementine for nine years and can speak multiple languages. Each week, the pantry at Clementine serves up to 80 residents.
On pantry days, Cathy and her team distribute numbered tickets at 10:30 a.m. for when the pantry opens at noon. She notes that the need is so great that people start lining up early in the morning. They also keep food on hand for delivery to tenants who are unable to visit the pantry but are known to need support. “No one should go hungry,” Cathy stated, reflecting on her own experiences with food insecurity during her youth.
Wan to learn more about Cathy and her work? Watch the CTV news coverage.
