Questions and Answers About the DCS Food Pantry

Rumors, rumors, we've seen the rumors. Now let us tell you the true story.

Q: Is DCS closing the food pantry?

A: Yes. DCS has decided that we can serve clients better by working with food pantries all over San Diego to give Deaf people better choices and more food. We are not abandoning our clients.

Q: Is it true that DCS is closing the food pantry because of money problems? Is DCS going bankrupt?

A: No. Rumors about DCS shutting down are false. DCS is strong and in good shape. We are hoping to move to a larger building with more parking space in 2013. We need room to grow and increase our services.

Q: Why can't DCS keep the food pantry open?

A: Our hours are limited, and so is our storage space. We are not open weekends or evenings. Running a food pantry is really a full-time job. Other food pantries in San Diego can give our clients more than we can. We want our clients to get the best services available.

Q: Didn't DCS get donated food free? Why not keep giving out food?

A: No. DCS paid for food from Feeding America. Staff or volunteers would drive to the Feeding America warehouse to shop. Getting food and bringing it back to DCS, then shelving and stacking cans and boxes took a lot of time. Staff and volunteers also have to be trained by Feeding America to operate a food pantry. When the food pantry was open on Tuesdays and Fridays, it took more than 4 hours. We need George to focus on the front desk and other responsibilities.

Q: Will I have to pay for food from other food pantries?

A: No. Food from San Diego food pantries is free.

Q: What about communication? I'm nervous about going to a new food pantry where I don't know the staff.

A: DCS will work closely with other food pantries to make sure communication goes smoothly. We would be happy to send interpreter interns to food pantries to help you communicate with their staff on specific days and times. We are here to give you all the support you need so that you can get food whenever you need it.

Q: What if I have food allergies and don't know how to tell the food pantry staff?

A: George will help you write a list of "good" and "not good" foods that you can bring with you to any food pantry in San Diego. You can go to a food pantry near your home, or a food pantry somewhere else. You can go to one food pantry on Tuesday and another food pantry on Saturday. You decide where to go, and how often.

Q: How will I know when food pantries are open?

A: George has created a list of approximately 70 food pantries in San Diego with the days and times they're open. This list will be given out to all food pantry clients. It will also be on our website and in the lobby. We'll make sure you have all the information you need.

Q: Do I need to arrive early at a food pantry?

A: It's always best to get on line as early as you can. If you wait until the last minute, you may not get the foods you want, and many foods may be gone.

Q: What if I'm still confused and don't know what to do?

A: DCS will help you. We'll make sure you learn where to go for food bags. None of our clients will go hungry. We think this is the best solution for everyone—more food pantries, more food choices, more days and times to pick up food.

Questions? Email us at info@dcsofsd.org or come see George at the front desk. Don't be afraid to let us know when you need help.