In the Outer Richmond district of San Francisco, Priscilla "Cilla" Lee has become a beacon of hope for families struggling with food insecurity. Operating out of her garage since 2021, she distributes thousands of pounds of donated food each year to local families in need. With help from a growing team of volunteers and partnerships with local businesses, Lee’s pantry provides essential groceries weekly, including fresh produce, baked goods, and even prepared meals. Her efforts have expanded significantly over the past two years, doubling her volunteer force while maintaining a structured system that ensures equitable distribution.
Priscilla Lee's journey began in 2021 during the height of the pandemic when she noticed alarming levels of food insecurity in her neighborhood. Inspired by her late mother’s generosity and encouraged by her own free time due to being on leave from her airline job, Lee decided to take action. She started hosting a weekly food pantry using surplus donations from local food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, and bakeries. Every Friday and twice monthly on Saturdays, residents could pick up boxes filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and staples like rice or beans. Additionally, Wednesdays saw the distribution of baked goods generously provided by a nearby bakery.
Lee’s operation has grown exponentially since its inception. In 2022 alone, her team distributed nearly 50,000 pounds of food to neighbors in the Outer Richmond area. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the dedication of a now-doubled volunteer team consisting of around 40 to 45 individuals. These volunteers play crucial roles ranging from scheduling coordinators to pantry assistants who prepare and distribute food items. Notably, about 75 percent of these volunteers are also recipients of the pantry's services, creating a strong sense of community involvement and mutual support.
The impact of Lee’s work extends beyond just providing sustenance; it fosters a spirit of camaraderie among participants. For example, Yulia Koudriashova, a single mother and teacher, relies heavily on Lee’s pantry to save nearly $300 per month. Alongside her two daughters and parents—who emigrated from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion—Koudriashova benefits immensely from this resource. Her father, affectionately known as "Papa," finds purpose volunteering at the pantry despite language barriers, unloading boxes and sorting food items. His contributions reflect the deep connections formed within this supportive network.
As the initiative continues to thrive, so does its organizational framework. Two volunteer administrators manage schedules and sign-ups, while another sends regular reminders to ensure smooth operations. Hosts oversee food pickups, and pantry assistants handle donation preparations. Despite requiring significant personal sacrifices—"I’m donating my sanity and my family’s time," Lee jokes—the entire endeavor remains entirely volunteer-driven. No one receives payment for their efforts, underscoring the altruistic nature of this vital service.
This grassroots effort exemplifies how individual actions can transform communities. Through sheer determination and collaboration, Priscilla Lee has created a lifeline for countless families facing financial hardships. Her story serves as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets organization, proving that even small acts of kindness can ripple into widespread change.