About us
Our history
In 2005, the Redwood Empire Food Bank asked one congregation to open a food pantry. A few months later, three congregations made it a reality.
Partnering together for almost twenty years, Christ Church United Methodist, Congregation Shomrei Torah and Bethlehem Lutheran Church provide weekly food support, monthly hygiene and household item giveaways, and seasonal clothing distributions.
Begun from a 12' x 20' volunteer-built shed to serve just the Bennett Valley and Rincon Valley neighborhoods, Elisha’s Pantry has grown in physical size and delivery scale to better meet the needs of all of Santa Rosa’s hungry.
In 2021, the City of Santa Rosa recognized the pantry with a Merit Award for outstanding volunteer work.
Who we are
Located at Christ Church United Methodist, Elisha’s Pantry is an interfaith outreach program serving Santa Rosa through gifts of food and kindness. Our organization consists of one part-time staff member, a board of directors, volunteers from our partnering congregations and the surrounding community, and private, foundation and corporate donors of monetary and in-kind support. Together, we help create an experience of care that extends beyond the pantry shelves.
What we do
Each week, we provide as many as 200 households with protein, grains, dairy and other staples from the Redwood Empire Food Bank, local grocery stores and individuals. The on-site garden, Harvest for the Hungry and other local farms provide fresh, organic produce. Monthly, we offer the choice of essential items to help households restock supplies.
We offer a bouquet of locally grown flowers, when in season.
Supporters
A huge, heartfelt “thank you” to our corporate, foundation, and individual supporters and sponsors, present and past.
Redwood Empire Food Bank
Safeway
Whole Foods
Impact 100 Redwood Circle
Harvest for the Hungry Garden
Lucky
Boudin Bakery
Sonoma Food Runners
Soap Cauldron
Farm to Pantry
Community Market
Bethlehem Foundation
Bothin Foundation
Kibo Farm
Faith Lutheran Church
New and noteworthy
Our Walk-In Choice Market Is Open!
Want more choice and flexibility when selecting your groceries? Then come visit our new Walk-In Choice Market, now open every Thursday from 2:30–4:00 PM.
The Walk-In Choice Market is for guests who come to the pantry on foot. It is separate from our regular drive-through distribution. If you receive your groceries through the drive-through, your distribution process will remain the same.
For Our Walk-In Guests
Walk-in guests can check in, walk through the market, and choose the groceries that work best for you and your family from the foods available that day. Produce will be pre-bagged.
Please note: There is no parking available at the pantry for guests who wish to shop at the Walk-In Choice Market. If you are coming to the Walk-In Choice Market, please plan to arrive on foot, arrange to be dropped off nearby or park on the street.
You Choose What Works for You
Don’t want to choose your groceries? You can continue to receive pre-packed grocery bags just as you have during Elisha’s regular distribution time.
We’ll also have pre-made vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free bags available for anyone who needs them.
Getting to the Choice Market Safely
We’ll have stanchions and yellow tape to help guide you safely to the walk-in area. There will also be a dedicated check-in person near the church office to welcome walk-in guests and help you get started.
One important safety reminder: Once drive-through distribution begins, please do not walk across the parking lot. It’s not safe with cars moving through. Please follow the marked path to the walk-in area.
We’re excited to be able to offer more choice and more flexibility. We look forward to welcoming you!
