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Updated Feb. 15 with additional comments from Jennifer Mendoza.
By Miriam Raftery
February 14, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – Thieves broke into the church and food pantry at St. John’s of the Cross Church at 8086 Broadway in Lemon Grove on February 8 around 3 a.m., vandalizing the property and stealing foods used to feed people in need, according to Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, who manages the church's food pantry.
Councilmember Mendoza says, "We’re at the food pantry every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. till noon. Any donations are much appreciated."
According to Mendoza, two of the perpetrators have been arrested. "The sheriff thinks there may be more. They don't think they were after food but were looking for electronic equipment like TVs, computers, speakers etc. or money. They also broke into the church...They caused a lof of damage to the church and pantry. We need to fix broken windows and doors, replace locks, etc. We are also thinking we now need a security system."
She adds in an email to ECM, "My biggest outrage is what kind of perseon steals from a church?!?!? Especially one like ours that gives back to the less fortunate in Lemon Grove in such a big way."
The following items are among those the food pantry needs:
- canned beans
- dry beans
- peanut butter, or other nut butters
- rolled oats
- canned fruit in juice, not in light or heavy syrup
- canned vegetables, with no or low-sodium
- low-sodium soups
- canned tuna in water
- canned chicken
- brown rice
- quinoa
- nuts, unsalted
- seeds, unsalted
- shelf stable milk and milk substitutes
- whole grain pasta
- low-sodium pasta sauce
- popcorn kernels (not microwave popcorn)
- canned stews
- unsweetened apple sauce
- whole grain, low-sugar cold cereals
- olive or canola oil
- canned tomatoes
- dried fruits, no sugar added
- honey
- chicken, beef and vegetable broths and stock.
On Facebook, former mayoral candidate Chris Williams posted, “It would be awesome of the community can come together to help restock what was stolen and damaged. The Lemon Grove Improvement Council can help pick up items if needed or someone can drop them off at Lee’s automotive. Please spread the word."
Ironically, Williams had his application for a cannabis dispensary denied due to the site's proximity to St. John's school, a matter that remains in litigation, but he is none-the-less supporting efforts to restock the church's food pantry.
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