Joseph’s Food Pantry fish fry fundraiser to help restock shelves

JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF

GRANITE SHOALS — The busiest day for Joseph’s Food Pantry in Granite Shoals is Tuesday.

That’s distribution day.

More than 150 families come into the pantry, 706 N. Phillips Ranch Road, each Tuesday.

In a month, the pantry serves 5,000 to 6,000 people from any county.

“There’s no limitation of where they come from,” said Roy Guerrero, who runs the pantry with his wife, Mary Lou.

That number of people served is why the pantry’s annual fish fry fundraiser is so important.

“It helps us continue to be able to purchase food through our source, Capital Area Food Bank,” Guerrero said. “We’re able to raise funds and let people know all of our activities.”

Other than the Granite Shoals work, the pantry also works with Austin homeless, hosting Church Under the Bridge.

The fish fry is Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the pantry. Plates are $10 for adults and $5 for children by donation. The meal includes fried fish, cole slaw, pinto beans and dessert. Meals can be taken to-go or eaten at the pantry.

A silent auction also will be held, with items for bid such as jewelry and clothing. An electric bicycle, which holds a charge and powers your bike when you aren’t pedaling, is also part of the auction.

Guerrero said a large number of people arrive early to the popular fundraiser.

“If you can get here early, even better,” he said.

The husband-and-wife duo have run Joseph’s Food Pantry since 2008 but say help is always welcome.

“We’re always needing volunteers,” Guerrero said.

To learn more, visit www.josephsfoodpantry.com or call (830) 220-2344.

jared@thepicayune.com