The beleaguered Sonoita/Elgin Food Pantry has found a new home.
The Pantry was originally located next to the Corner Scoop Ice Cream Shop. But when Corner Scoop owner Dena Ploetz found the Pantry too difficult to maintain and keep safe from vandals, Pastor Tom Moffett of The Vine Church offered the church’s parking lot as a new location for the little building.
In January, 2025, with the help of donations from the Legacy Foundation, workers completed underground wiring and a foundation for the Pantry. Saw Mill Builders donated building supplies to finish out the interior walls.
Now the humble little building needs a little more help to be ready to serve those in need. The floors are piled with nonperishable food items and cleaning products, which need to be organized and placed on the shelves, which need to be installed. Installation of air conditioning is also on the docket. Eventually Pastor Moffett would like to add another small building for non-food items, diapers, other baby needs, and even some building materials and tools.
Pastor Moffett said any help from churches, individuals, organizations and private businesses readying the Pantry for operation would very much be appreciated. He would like to have enough help to handle the organizing and manning of the pantry, which would allow it to have regular hours of operation. He would also like the Pantry to be able to deliver items to shut-ins and those unable to make the trip to the pantry.
“My dream is to build a community of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Pastor Moffett. “This is not just our church-only task but for the whole community, whether from networking with other churches or non-churched individuals.”
Pastor Moffett encourages anyone who needs emergency items or who would like to volunteer or donate to please call him on his cell at 480-226-9779. Just leave a message.