Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach

"Experience the Little Flowers in Life."

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Saint Therese Center

Food Pantry

We are working to keep our clients and staff safe during the pandemic. A number of programs are temporarily suspended, but we are still operating the food pantry Monday through Friday using a drive-thru method. Those who would like to receive boxes of food line up in their cars on Palo Verde Dr. and are ushered through by our staff, with distribution from 8am until we run out of food. Be sure to wear a mask and to bring a photo ID with you.

Overview

PantryThe Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach Pantry, is the only HIV outreach pantry available in southern Nevada and northern Arizona. We serve more 4,000 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Just the other day in the course of five hours we saw 92 clients who took home more than 11 bags of groceries each. (That is over 1,012 bags!) While that is an amazing accomplishment and a credit to the volunteers who staff the Saint Therese Center, it is also not something we can handle each day. The current economy has many of our clients coming to us for assistance in many areas but especially in food.

Since we have created a high level of credibility among private agencies, professionals, and those whom we serve, we are strained to accept new clients monthly, in addition to serving those who continue to come to us.

We are fortunate to have an amazing number of companies and organizations that work with us to keep food on our shelves. On a separate page, we list a sample of those corporations companies and organizations.

Food Pantry Guidelines

The guidelines for using the St. Therese center food pantry are as follows:

  • FruitsClients are welcome to use the pantry once a week during a visit to the center. The exception to this rule is for homeless clients who cannot be expected to carry around, a weeks supply of food at the same time.
  • The pantry is for the individual client needs and their immediate family members who live in the same household, not the entire neighborhood. We ask the clients take only what they will need and use.
  • A volunteer will help the client in the pantry and make suggestions and possible cooking ideas, we ask that clients do not open boxes or containers.
  • In addition to the refrigerators in the main room there may be additional cold or frozen items available in other areas of the building; the volunteer who is assisting the client will bring that to their attention and make appropriate offers for food.
  • The pantry storerooms and kitchen are off-limits for clients and shopping availability and we ask you to observe and follow this rule.
  • Respect for each other is a courtesy that will be enforced, if you make a mess, we ask you to clean up your own mess. Help us, help you!
  • If you leave your canned goods or food items unattended, we are not responsible if someone else removes them or takes them.
  • You are welcome to take what you need – there may be restrictions on specific items, as to allow for more people to benefit from the abundance we may have. Clients who take food and then sell it will lose their privilege of using the pantry on their visits to the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach.
  • When the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach is open the food pantry is usually open as well, with the exception of the 15th of the month, when the pantry is closed on the day food cards are distributed.

Acknowledgment of Responsibility and Waiver

All clients who participate in the food pantry at the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach read and sign an acknowledgment of responsibility and waiver for food pantry access and use. A sample of that agreement follows:

  • I, (clients printed name) assume all responsibility for any and all injuries to any person or property, which results, in whole or in part, from the use of the items I received from the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach Food Pantry. I agree to provide proper supervision from all times as outlined on the attached form of which I have received a personal copy. I understand that the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach, its staff and/or the Roman Catholic Bishop of Las Vegas, a Corporation sole, make no warranties with respect to any materials received.
  • VegetablesI understand that these items have been donated, some close to, or on, their expiration date, and acknowledge that I am not purchasing these items from either the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach or the Roman Catholic Bishop of Las Vegas, a Corporation sole, and entities (food stores, food banks, warehouses and food companies) are not selling any of these items to me. I further acknowledge and understand that these items may not have instructions, however, I agree to read any accompanying instructions and agree to use reasonable care, or will provide supervision such that my family members use reasonable care in the usage of products or materials donated and received.
  • Upon signing this agreement, my family and I expressly release and hold harmless the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach its staff and/or the Roman Catholic Bishop of Las Vegas, a Corporation sole, from any and all responsibility and liability, including but not limited to, any and all claims for injuries or damages, including property damage which results from the use of any materials donated which I have received, whether the liability be premised in negligence, strict liability, warranty or otherwise.
  • I have read the foregoing and received a copy of "interpreting label dates" and verify that the materials I received from the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach is sealed, clean, labeled and in good working order.

Food Cards:

The Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach offers $40 in food cards from Albertsons (usually four $10.00 cards on the 15th of each month, unless during that month a food box is distributed to all clients). The months food boxes are distributed to clients are November (Thanksgiving) and December (Christmas). Large ContributionsFor the clients who live in the Laughlin Outreach and the Mesquite Outreach, where no Albertsons Food Stores are available the Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach makes $40.00 in Walmart cards available. Please note that while we distribute food cards on the 15th of the month, it is also the only day we offer food cards. (We usually run out of cards; we offer more than $15,000.00 in cards a month!) While clients may use the pantry once a week; please note that the food vouchers are only once a month and on the 15th. If the 15th falls on a Saturday or Sunday then food cards are distributed on the next available business day. For example if the 15th falls on a Saturday then Sunday the 16th we are closed, then food card distribution would be on the 17th of that month. Once in a while, the Monday of that same weekend may be a national holiday that is observed and we are closed, so therefore food cards would be put off one more day till the 18th of that month. You are always welcome to call the Saint Therese Center HIV outreach at 564-4224 and when you hear the prompt about food cards and distribution press number three (3) and you will hear the date for that specific month when food cards will be distributed.

Interpreting Label Dates:

Expiration or "use by" date; last day the product should be eaten or used for assured quality.

  • Phrase most often used: "do not use after (date)."
  • Includes baby formula and baby foods.

Freshness or "sell by" date: last recommended date of sale that allows ample home storage time.

  • Phrase most often used: "sell by (date).”
  • Includes milk, yogurt, and eggs.

"Best if used by" date: date after which a product is not likely to be at peak quality or flavor.

  • Includes prepared packaged foods, Rice/Soy Dream, and most dry goods.
Product Throw out after...
Milk* Four - seven days past stamped date.
Yogurt* Seven - ten days past stamped date.
Soft Cheeses*
  (cottage, cream, ricotta)
One week past stamped date.
Hard Cheeses*
  (cheddar, swiss)
Three - four days past stamped date.
Luncheon Meat* Four - six days past stamped date.
Powdered Milk* Six months past date if refrigerated.
Eggs* Three - five weeks past stamped date.
Dry Cereal Six - twelve months unopened.
Food in Jars Twelve months past stamped date.
Canned Foods:
  Acidic (tomato products) Twelve months
  Non-Acidic (vegetables, soups) Two - five years
Bread Products Seven days past date if refrigerated first.
Rice/Pasta (dry) One year after receiving.

*Denotes item is to be kept in the refrigerator that registers below 40°

Pantry Items

One can usually find the following Pantry items on our shelves. Clients are allowed to shop for themselves in part of the pantry area, giving them the dignity to select what they need. Where items are limited, clients are given a sheet to check off the items they wish and then the volunteer staff members fill their requests from the supply in the back.

Shelved canned goods:

  • Corn
  • Green Beans
  • Creamed Corn
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • White Potatoes
  • Beats
  • Chili with Beans
  • Spaghetti'Os
  • Beef Stew
  • Canned Tuna
  • Canned Chicken
  • Spam
  • Corned Beef
  • Canned Ham
  • Baby Food
  • Vegetable Soup
  • Beef Vegetable Broth
  • Beef Broth
  • Chicken Broth
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Tomato Soup
  • Cream of Mushroom
  • Cream of Celery
  • Cream of Broccoli
  • Chicken Dumpling
  • Chicken Rice
  • Chicken Noodle
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Whole Tomatoes
  • Chopped Tomatoes
  • Applesauce
  • Canned Peaches
  • Canned Pears
  • Crushed Pineapple
  • Pineapple Chunks
  • Mixed Fruit Cocktail
  • Mixed Fruit Cocktail with Extra Cherries
  • Spaghetti Sauce

Shelving Bags, Packaged, Paper Boxes:

  • Instant Mashed Potatoes
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Macaroni
  • Spaghetti
  • Egg Noodles
  • Rice
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Red Beans
  • White Beans
  • Laundry Soap
  • Pancake Mix
  • Tea Bags
  • Coffee
  • Cake Mixes
  • Icing
  • Lasagna Skillet Dinner
  • Beef Pasta Skillet Dinner
  • Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner
  • TV Tuna Skillet Dinner
  • 2% Shelf Stable Milk
  • Live Action Fruit Bars
  • Cereal: All Brands and Types
  • Cocoa Puffs
  • Cheerios
  • Cornflakes
  • Lucky Charms
  • Multigrain
  • Oatmeal
  • Raisin Bran
  • Tutti-Frutti
  • Top Ramen

Glass and Plastic Items on Shelves:

  • Pancake Syrup
  • Peanut Butter
  • Grape Jelly
  • Salad Dressing Various Kinds
  • Propel Water and Flavors
  • Gatorade
  • Baby Food
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Chili Sauce
  • Fruit Drinks
  • Apple Cider
  • Water
  • Ensure
  • Boost
  • Orange Juice
  • Fruit Juices
  • Barbecue Sauce

Refrigeration Units Selection:

  • Water
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Green Onions
  • Spices
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cherries
  • Day old Kentucky Fried Chicken
  • Tofu
  • Chives
  • Arugula
  • Spinach
  • Cheese (all kinds)
  • Yogurt
  • Milk (all kinds...2%, Whole, Skim, etc.)
  • Buttermilk
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Strawberry Banana Nectar
  • Orange Juice
  • Pineapple Juice
  • Carrot Juice
  • Eggs
  • Bacon
  • Sausage
  • Breakfast Sandwiches
  • Butter and/or Margarine

freezer unit selections:

  • Chicken Whole and Parts
  • Sandwich Meat (all kinds)
  • Pork Loins
  • Pork Chops
  • Hamburger
  • Hotdogs
  • Steak
  • Turkeys
  • Roast Beef
  • French Fries
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Corned Beef
  • Ribs
  • Polish Sausage
  • Bacon
  • Sausage
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Ice Cream
  • Sherbet
  • Sorbet
  • Various Pies (ready-to-eat)
  • Cool Whip
  • Frozen Juices
  • Eggo Waffles
  • Popeye's Chicken
  • Pot Pies
  • TV Dinners

Ice Cream Storage – Off-site and brought to the Centers:

  • Oreo Cookie Ice Cream
  • Benn & Jerry’s Orange Cream
  • Orange Sherbet
  • Pudding Pops
  • Peanut Brittle Ice Cream
  • Pomegranate Sorbet
  • Cookie Dough
  • Klondike Bars

Please Note – Ice Cream donations come from Feed The Children, an Organization out of Oklahoma City and is stored in a Las Vegas Cold Storage…

Dried Produce Located on Shelves:

  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Bread (all types):
  • White
  • Wheat
  • Rye
  • Sourdough
  • Whole-Grain
  • Multigrain
  • Cinnamon Raisin
  • Bagels (all types)
  • English Muffins (all types)
  • Bagel Thins
  • Pastries (all kinds):
  • Entenmann's
  • BIMBO
  • Barcell Industries
  • Smith's Supermarket Breads
  • Albertsons Food Market Breads
  • Fresh and Easy Breads
  • Trader Joe Breads
  • Tortillas
  • Pan Dulce
  • Corn Chips
  • Potato Chips
  • Cheetos
  • Spicy Potato Chips Spicy Corn Chips

Toiletries that are available upon request if we have them:

  • Bar Soap
  • Liquid Soap
  • Body Lotion
  • Shampoo
  • Shaving Cream
  • Hairspray
  • Hair Gel
  • Q-Tips
  • Cotton Balls

Emery Boards

  • Baby Diapers
  • Adult Diapers
  • Deodorant
  • Toilet Paper
  • Razors

Testimonial

"We are God fearing family and to have had the advantage to use the food pantry, like my family has done over the past few years, it is a blessing from above. God answered my prayers through all of you in abundance. I remember of my son said to me one day: "Mom when I was praying to the Lord it seems like he never answers my prayers." And I said to him: "Baby, you know when you get sick and Mom has to take you to the doctor, notice that when we get there, there is always people ahead of us, but the doctor knows we are there and gets around to taking care of us and your problem. Well, look at the Lord as always being busy, but he hears you and he answers." Thank you so much for your every thought and every kindness you truly blessed my family and everyone will be remembered in our daily prayers!"

From a family of seven, of which six are HIV positive individuals

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For additional information, please visit us:

  • Internet: www.sainttheresecenter.org
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintThereseCenter
  • Twitter: @StThereseCenter

Or contact us:

  • Postal Mail: P.O. Box 90625, Henderson, NV 89009-0625
  • Email: aidsproject@dioceseoflasvegas.org
  • Telephone: (702) 564-4224