Volunteers feed hungry families, no strings attached

More than 30 families in need rely on the Rockpointe Church Food Pantry for meals and essentials. Unlike most nonprofit food pantries, Rockpointe customers do not have to provide proof of income or identification.

"We are an emergency food pantry. We don't want anyone to be turned away," Director Alicia Tolbert said. "If you need food, we want you to get food. We don't want people to have fear coming in here and we trust that people aren't abusing it."

The food pantry program opened May 6 after members of Rockpointe Church decided they could easily help the community.

"We had a small food pantry in the church closet," Tolbert said. "We had been renting this space for about four years and we thought, 'We have the space. Let's make a real food pantry.'"

Up to 20 volunteers of all ages bag and restock groceries at the food pantry every Thursday night. But Tolbert said the church provides more than just food. They partner with more than 20 other organizations to connect incoming families to other food opportunities, government assistance, utilities, housing, employment, childcare, medical care and other specialty services.

"We also offer prayer, encouragement, practical services and helpful resources. We never force the other services, and you can still get food, we are just trying to be that next step," Tolbert said.

Families can take two items from each section, which can include canned meats, vegetables, condiments, baking supplies, baby food, diapers, toiletries and more.

"Some of the items are not a necessity, but just nice to have," Tolbert said.

Rockpointe Food Pantry makes clear its goal to keep food and other items easily accessible to those who ask for help. The pantry does not charge a fee or ask shoppers to participate in religious activities as a condition of receiving food.

Since its startup, the program's popularity has grown tremendously. Tolbert said the pantry served two families its first night. Since then, they have averaged 32 families per night, with their highest count topping more than 45 families in a single session.

"Summer time has been huge since all of the kids are out of school," Tolbert said.

Carol Carrel, volunteer and nine-year member of Rockpointe Church, said the food pantry is truly becoming a part of the community and building an extensive family.

"It's just knowing that you make that connection with the families," she said. "Being able to help someone is very important. You're letting them know they're not alone."

Get involved

Rockpointe Church opens its food pantry every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10999 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander. For more information regarding volunteers and donations, visit www.rockpointechurch.com.