Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family come together to share their blessings and differences. This past Thanksgiving, on November 27, the Grainery Ministries in Salida helped to provide those in need with Thanksgiving food.
Sharon Surdez, the Volunteer Co-director at the Grainery, explained that the Grainery planned for about 300 families this year, with families ranging from one person to 10 people. They gave out some extra Thanksgiving food items, including ingredients for green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, turkey, celery and fruit. This year, the Grainery gave out Thanksgiving food from early November to the 24th, but they will continue to give food out to those who need it. The Grainery’s hours are from Monday through Friday, from 10AM to 3:30PM, and people can pick up the food they need at their leisure during that time.
The Grainery first started as a small group and has since grown. Sharon Surdez explained, “A church group of teenagers actually started giving food out and then it turned into a Grainery Ministry. We had training from a larger food bank in California when we moved out here, and we took it over.” Sharon Surdez said. “The Grainery Ministries has been operating here in Salida since 1999. We are non-profit, 501C. We operate on donations, fundraisers & local food drives.”
Sharon Surdez also mentioned that she and her husband Larry Surdez, who also works at the Grainery, first started in 2003, when they joined the board. She was then asked to be a director in 2005, and she and Larry Surdez now co-direct. Larry Surdez picks up all community donations and Sharon Surdez works on the food distribution to their clients. Sharon Surdez explained that they have a team of volunteers to help families. “I have anywhere from seven to 12 volunteers at a time,” she said.
If you ever get the chance to go to the Grainery, make sure to thank those who are putting in the time and the effort to help those in need. It continues to show what true community support looks like. Through the dedication of Sharon Surdez, Larry Surdez and their volunteers, hundreds of families are able to celebrate the holiday with full plates. The Salida Grainery’s hard work serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. This holiday season, the Grainery encourages everyone to lend a hand or offer gratitude to those who serve our community year-round.
