Volunteers motivated to help more than 150 families in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – More than 150 families in need of food received help from the Bulldog Pantry in Fresno on Saturday, thanks to the combined efforts of a local grocery store, nonprofits and other volunteers.

“I’m feeling hopeful after Saturday,” said Erica Bird, Bulldog Pantry coordinator.

Before the food distribution Saturday, Bird said she was overwhelmed by the task of caring for so many families. She didn’t know if the pantry would be able to provide the help they desperately needed.

A new type of incentive to give to the Bulldog Pantry in Fresno

“I was feeling pretty depressed and frustrated,” Bird said. “I’ve been doing this for seven years and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the day-to-day.”

Bird contacted her friend, Diane Phakonekham, CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Fresno.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Phakonekham said. “She (Bird) is someone who has given her time selflessly, dedicated her life to the Bulldog Pantry.”

Phakonekham was not only a go-to person for Bird, but also helped connect Bird with the owners of the Grocery Outlet on North Peach Avenue in Fresno, who shared Bird’s passion for giving back to the community. In an interview with YourCentralValley.com, Noah and Sayra Moore say they understand the gravity of food insecurity.

“There was some theft in the store,” Noah said. “It’s disappointing, but he was hungry. We caught him on the street and he was rummaging through a trash can. I don’t like that.”

The Moore family used their business to help the Bulldog Pantry, offering a $100 gift card as a raffle prize to every customer who donated to the pantry. Customers responded with donations, and on Friday, the Moores packed up their truck and headed to the Bulldog Pantry.

The next day the food was scattered.

Bird found herself surrounded by people who shared her dedication, reminding her why her work at the pantry is so important and rejuvenating her spirit.

“I always have hope after (food distributions),” Bird said. “But this was different. I had a little less stress on my shoulders. I have more joy.”

Noah Moore of Grocery Outlet said Saturday’s event brought mixed emotions. Seeing the faces of children facing food insecurity reminds him that the fight isn’t over.

“Seeing a child want to choose a small glazed doughnut, but opt for a loaf of bread because they know it will last longer, shows that there is a great need.”

Noah said he and his wife continue to receive donations and he plans to continue helping. He hopes his fellow Fresno residents will be inspired to donate as well.

“When we arrived, there were already 30 to 40 families waiting in line,” Noah said. “I think everyone who volunteers to see things with their own eyes will never be the same again.”

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