SFP Snack Packs: Nourishing Fremont’s Unhoused Community
In the heart of Fremont, a community-driven initiative is making a tangible difference for the unhoused residents of Alameda County. In January of 2023, Salaam Food Pantry (SFP), in collaboration with Bay Area Community Health (BACH), launched the ‘Snack Packs for Unhoused Folks’ program to provide vital nourishment for those in need. This endeavor highlights SFP’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Fremont’s community.
Orlando Yang volunteers his Sundays biking to the Salaam Food Pantry office in the heart of Irvington district in Fremont. He is always punctual and takes pride in packing nutritious healthy protein bars and energy bites into kits. These simple yet impactful packs are designed to offer a quick source of fuel and sustenance. Orlando, a senior at Mission San Jose High School, organized and spearheaded this campaign because he “wanted to save people’s time. I have seen people exhausted after traveling miles to the food pantry and I do not want them to waste even more time picking out the food that they want. The bags contain an assortment of snacks that can be easily consumed”.
For Orlando, this experience is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a chance to connect with and give back to his community. He describes it as “incredibly rewarding to witness the impact when people are served healthy snacks that I packed”. The snack packs are collected by Kenneth Thai, a Community Health Outreach worker at BACH, and his dedicated team. Each week, they distribute them to over 30 individuals experiencing homelessness across Alameda County.
Kenneth expresses gratitude for the collaboration. “Bay Area Community Health is incredibly grateful to Salaam Food Pantry for their generous weekly donations. The nourishment and care provided by these snack packs not only meet immediate needs but also help us build trusting relationships with our patients, making them more open to receiving the care they need. We deeply appreciate the partnership we have with Pantry and their unwavering commitment to our community. Thank you for making such a positive impact!”
This heartfelt initiative highlights the power of community engagement in addressing critical issues like food insecurity and homelessness. For SFP, ‘Snack Packs for Unhoused Folks’ is more than just providing food; it’s about extending a hand of kindness and care to those who need it most. In a city as diverse as Fremont, this program serves as a reminder that unity strengthens our society.
Through endeavors like these, the Pantry continues to give 110% to create positive change in our lives. Thanks to Orlando, for his dedicated volunteering effort that manifested into so much more.
Asiya Siddiqui
Salaam Food Pantry Youth Ambassador
