A conspiracy of kindness: How we teamed up with strangers to set up the San Roque community pantry

We took our chances and met with strangers, and we were rewarded with something that is far from what we initially expected. Suddenly, we have an entire parish, along with a number of volunteers, who are willing to make this come to fruition.

The San Roque community pantry opened last Sunday, April 18, coincidentally during the same day the Jubilee Doors were opened. 

Bishop Ambo ended his homily by talking about the community pantries, which he described as “one of the clearest and the most tangible sign of hope in the midst of hopelessness brought about by this COVID-19 pandemic.”

“I would rather see you clap your hands to the opening of the community pantry than to the opening of the Jubilee Door,” he told parishioners.

Describing it as the good kind of virus, the Bishop urged for the establishment of more pantries in the Diocese and across the country: “Please, I beg of you, let us not allow it to fizzle out. This is perhaps the best chain reaction I have ever heard of in the time of crisis.”

Within hours, donations poured in, giving the pantry more than enough, that we then discussed a donation sharing scheme with other similar initiatives in the city.

Learning for all

Establishing a pantry is a learning experience for everyone involved.

From the very beginning, the idea was simple: set up a space for people to give what they can or take what they need.

But there were also gaps that eventually emerged.

In Maginhawa, for instance, a deluge of donations poured in, along with an increasing number of people lining up every day with hopes of getting something from the pantry.

We knew what happened next: tricycle drivers helped repack goods, passersby reminded people to practice health protocols, volunteers joined to assist in the operations.

While writing this, I received updates from the group managing the San Roque Community Pantry. We started seeing more strangers stepping up, including some of those who lined up who decided to stay and assist in maintaining order during replenishment.

It was a very different scenario from the previous days, when every task – from accepting donations and replenishing the pantries to answering queries and maintaining social distancing – was left to a handful of people who started the pantry.

It was a breath of fresh air and a reminder that, regardless of where we stand, humanity still prevails.

There have been discussions about several issues encountered by those who established the pantries, foremost among them the matter of sustainability and instances when people take what some would think was more than what they need.

In San Roque Cathedral, we also saw people lining up over again and again to get something from the pantry.

During such instances, we remind ourselves of what Ana Patricia Non, the founder of the Maginhawa community pantry, said: "Let us withhold judgment and try to understand where they are coming from. Share with them the idea and the vision of what the community pantry is, and why we have to do."

Educate, but also, learn from them.

I did not expect that the most striking learning experience for me would come with an encounter with a child we saw lining up multiple times in the pantry last Sunday.

Telling him that he should be home as he was not allowed outside due to quarantine restrictions, with a smirk, he responded: "Wala naman kaming bahay."

It was a slap in the face. I should have known better. And I admit that sometimes, we forget.

Learning and moving forward

A Facebook group has been set up to discuss challenges faced by those who established the pantries. Suggestions were given, mutual support was provided.

I recently saw how the initiative continues to transform and evolve: there are now mobile pantries to bring the goods directly to the people, there is a pantry catering to the needs of our furry friends.

We learn as we move forward.

Regardless of our beliefs – political, spiritual or even ideological – those behind the pantries remain united with its rallying cry: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.”

Defending the movement

We woke up today, April 20, with dismal news: the operations of the Maginhawa Street Community Pantry was temporarily halted due to safety concerns of its founder, Non, and the volunteers.

The news was met with incredulity, especially by those who have walked for hours just to get something to put on their tables. How can an initiative with a very straightforward cause of feeding the hungry result in threats and make its founder feel unsafe in the very community she wants to help?

But it is a reality experienced by many who have been helping the disadvantaged. Human rights defenders, environmentalists, educators, media workers and even lawyers have been red-tagged just because of their work in the communities.

This time, however, that threat is aimed at hundreds of people from different walks of life who simply thought that the idea of a community pantry is worth replicating.

And while many were disheartened – some perhaps afraid, too – those behind the pantries continue to believe in the shared vision of giving others a platform to help those in need.

It is understandable if some are having second thoughts on opening up a pantry. But we hope that no one will be discouraged.

At the end of the day, our shared vision remains: we want to help in whatever way we can.

We urge others to continue setting up pantries. There is no shortage of people who are willing to spare a few kilos of rice, canned goods or vegetables freshly picked from their gardens.

The movement continues.

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Here are some practical tips for those who want to set up their own community pantries:

• Start with something small. Most pantries started with goods worth less than P1,000. Do not lose heart if it immediately runs out – that is the point of the initiative.
• Partner with others and make it an initiative of several people – family, friends or, like in our case, strangers with a common advocacy. Reach out to different organizations for possible partnerships.
• Identify a location accessible to people who can donate and those who need them. Make sure that it will not affect traffic and has enough space to ensure social distancing.
• Seek the help of community leaders, including the barangay or homeowners’ associations that can provide support, such as in maintaining social distancing.
• Continue assessing and improving the system. What were the challenges encountered? How can you resolve them? Join online communities where you can get tips or advice.
• Always practice health protocols. Consider providing hygiene items such as alcohol and soap, as well as vitamins.
• Regularly post about the initiative, both as a way to inform donors about it and as an accountability mechanism, especially for cash donations.
• More importantly, communicate with everyone involve. Educate and learn. Share the reason and vision behind this movement.

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Inspired by the Maginhawa community pantry and with the support of CYLI and the Diocese of Caloocan, the San Roque community pantry was initiated by educator Ronald Fortaliza and art director Patricia Denise Dizon. In kind donations may be dropped off at the pantry from 8am to 6pm. Financial donations may be sent via GCash to Ronald Fortaliza at 0935 628 4637.