Meet Randy

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We are reminded of this every day by individuals like Randy, an Elsberry Food Pantry client who shows the power of giving back. 67-year-old Randy always shows up early to help staff and volunteers restock shelves before the doors even open. His actions speak volumes, proving that anyone can play a role in shaping a stronger, more caring community.

Elsberry is considered a food desert, residents lack access to affordable, nutritious groceries. With only a Dollar General and Family Dollar serving the area, it’s a daily struggle to put healthy meals on the table for many. The Care Service opened a food pantry in Elsberry in 2021 to meet this growing community need. In 2025, the Elsberry food pantry served over 200 households.

For Randy, who lives with diabetes and must follow a strict diet, finding the right food isn’t easy or affordable. But at The Care Service Food Pantry, the Client-Choice format lets him select items that support his health. “I like it because you can come in and pick and choose what you want,” Randy explains. “I’m a diabetic and I can’t get everything, so I like the variety.”

Randy’s story reminds us that a community is built not merely on shared resources, but on shared humanity. When one person shows up for another, it inspires a ripple effect that strengthens connections and compassion across an entire community.