What began as a small gesture during the pandemic has become a lifeline for dozens of families in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond. In 2021, Priscilla “Cilla” Lee opened a free food pantry in her garage to help neighbors facing food insecurity. Four years later, she and more than 40 volunteers now serve over 50 families each week, distributing nearly 50,000 pounds of food a year—all without asking for payment, proof of income, or anything in return.
The pantry is more than a food source. It’s a space of trust, choice, and community, with Lee tailoring donations to families’ needs and creating an atmosphere of warmth. Volunteers, many of whom also rely on the pantry themselves, describe the space as both practical and deeply meaningful. One regular, a single mother whose family fled war-torn Ukraine, says it’s a place that gives her hope. Even as donations dip and long-term funding remains uncertain, Lee devotes up to 40 hours a week to keep the shelves stocked and spirits lifted—determined to keep giving for as long as she’s able.