AFSA Chapter 1551 opens food pantry at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Air Force Sergeant's Association Chapter 1551 opened the doors to the Yokota Food Pantry, Sept. 22 at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The food pantry, located in building 994, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We saw a need in the community and wanted to help," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Linstrom, Food Pantry coordinator. "There are services offered on base for those in need and the food pantry is here as another resource."

Any Department of Defense cardholder, to include retirees and spouses, are eligible to use the food pantry once a week.

"We keep no records past one week, and that is only to check that we don't have people misusing the pantry," said Linstrom.

The goal of the pantry is to support the community.

"This is about Airmen helping Airmen... Everyone has times when they could use an extra hand and the pantry allows us to look out for those who serve and have served," said Linstrom.

Although Chapter 1551 is sponsoring the food pantry, it is a community driven effort.

"We've had a lot of support from various organizations on base," said Linstrom. "Some are even looking to host food drives in the future."

Those interested in donating non-expired, non-perishable items can drop them off during the hours of operation or schedule a pick-up with Linstrom. For those interested in volunteering at the food pantry sign-ups are available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/432730563446052/