Shelves, tables, refrigerators and freezers are stocked with market-made meals, canned goods, eggs, produce and household staples in the West Marin Community Services food pantry in Point Reyes Station. The pantry returned to its indoor space this month after operating on the sidewalk since the pandemic. The move was intended to allay fears of exposure to federal immigration agents, and the new hours and market-style layout are aimed at accessibility and dignity.  

“I want [people] to feel good about coming here and have peace of mind that when they are here, we will respect them and do what we can to keep them safe,” said Sarah Thorp, the organization’s resource center manager.

For those who frequented the food pantry before Covid-19, the move feels like a return to a familiar home, the center’s assistant manager, Santiago Gomez, said. But, he added, the expanded hours make a difference. “Because we are open longer, there are people who come more frequently and can now switch up the days when they come,” he said.

The move indoors was partly motivated by the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies. Operating outside, the pantry was on public property and was therefore subject to ICE enforcement without a warrant. 

The pantry’s new layout mirrors the traditional grocery store experience. Food is no longer prepackaged in bags or boxes but set out on table tops or stored in new refrigerators and freezers that were donated by ExtraFood. Although the organization normally only donates food, they have gifted the pantry commercial-sized, double-door appliances. 

Staff have observed a boost in morale and an upbeat atmosphere as folks visit to catch up with one another while they do their shopping, Ms. Thorp said. 

“The food pantry service is much better than it was before because it is fresh,” said Cleotilde Guavarria, who stopped by last Thursday to pick up some produce. Diane Dillon, a longtime local, added, “It is so much better than grocery shopping.”

Each item in the pantry features a bilingual label. “Papas/Potatoes. Tome/Take 6,” the sign placed atop a black milk crate full of spuds reads in both English and Spanish.

Another new addition is a rotating supply of organic market-made goods from Trader Joe’s and Safeway. Last week, Trader Joe’s donated prepared meals. Most of the pantry’s supply comes from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, ExtraFood, the Palace Market and local community members.

According to the California Association of Food Banks, more than 20 percent of Californians are food insecure due to the high cost of living and stagnating wages. In Marin, an individual would have to work 1.75 full-time minimum wage jobs—totaling 70 work hours a week—to afford basic needs. As a result, nearly 7 percent of the county’s population, an estimated 18,160 people, lack access to affordable and nutritious food. Food insecurity disproportionately affects Black and Latino households and is known to cause chronic health issues and impact a student’s ability to complete their education.

The Point Reyes Station food pantry now operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with a lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. On Thursdays, the pantry is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Resource center staff are exploring the possibility of playing music in the space during pantry hours, hinting at a possible cumbia playlist.

West Marin Community Services is inviting everyone to help repaint the pantry space this Saturday, May 24,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Materials will be provided, but volunteers should come in work wear. The walls will remain white, but to add some character, community members are welcome to donate agriculture-related art. 

On June 2, volunteers able to carry 50 pounds will be needed to help move storage items back into the pantry space from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. To learn how to get involved, email the W.M.C.S. Resource Center staff at [email protected].