About Us

Our purpose is to help supplement a family’s food budget.  The Gladiolus Food Pantry fosters self-reliance and independence. We are a “choice” pantry, meaning each family chooses only the food they want and will use.  The Gladiolus Food Pantry empowers families by allowing them to select food from our pantry as they would in a grocery store.

The Gladiolus Food Pantry was founded in March 2013 by Miriam Ortiz.  We are housed in the green building located on Gladiolus Drive in Harlem Heights.  In 2019, 8,626 families visited the pantry which translates into 27,959 individuals (8,686 children, 15,141 adults and 4,132 seniors).  We were able to supply these families with 554,148 pounds of food. The Gladiolus Food Pantry has grown each year and continues to expand to meet our community's needs.

The Gladiolus Food Pantry relies entirely on donations of food and money from individuals, churches, communities, civic organizations, and businesses.  We also receive food from the Harry Chapin Food Bank and the Midwest Food Bank.  We feel blessed by our supporters and volunteers who reach out to help us offer assistance to so many.