Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide food, resources and services from a faith-based perspective to those in need. We value the dignity of all individuals and strive to promote their independence.
Our Testimony
The people who utilize our services come from all walks of life. We all experience difficult times and sometimes need a helping hand. More than 50% of the people we serve are experiencing a temporary situation and need help getting them through a rough time. Our volunteers genuinely love helping people and go out of their way to try to meet the needs of everyone we serve. The most rewarding part is the smiles and expressions of gratitude from those we serve!
Our History of Serving Those In Need
The Shepherd’s Pantry organization is the result of a merger between two food pantries: Cory’s Kitchen, founded in 1996, and Shepherd’s Pantry, founded in 2004. In 2005, Cory’s Kitchen opened its first facility in Irwindale and expanded to multiple sites throughout the valley. Shepherd’s Pantry began as a free emergency food delivery service, led by a small group of volunteers who would deliver food from a storage unit in Glendora. Cory’s Kitchen often supported Shepherd’s Pantry. Cory’s Kitchen provided leadership not only in operating a successful food pantry but also in offering emotional and spiritual support. In July 2019, we celebrated the merging of both pantries. Since the inception of both pantries, additional services have been added to support individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Some of those services have included haircutting, clothing stores, homeless food programs, reading and math tutoring, Christmas Toy Store, community food baskets, Summer Reading Camps, an emergency assistance program, health fairs, and school supply giveaways.
One Organization Continuing the Mission
Today, Shepherd’s Pantry serves Los Angeles County with sites in Glendora, Irwindale, and El Monte. Although food distribution is our primary service, we continue to add additional ways to support our community. Since 2020, we have expanded our collaboration to include a full-time Case Manager position, Case Management Interns, Pantry assistants, and the availability of emergency homeless diversion funds. Additionally, we have offered classes to help our community find jobs, live within their financial means, and learn ways to lead a healthy, balanced life. Shepherd’s Pantry is a dynamic, faith-based organization that recognizes the exceptional value of each client, treating them with dignity and offering hope through a helping hand.
Our Past Executive Directors
Thank you to Creg Cerro (– 2021) and Jhoana Hirasuna (2021 – 2025) for leading Shepherd’s Pantry into greatness. We would not have become the organization we are today without your leadership!