Mariposa County farmer turns stand into temporary food pantry

MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Mariposa County farmer has repurposed his farmstand to help provide food for those in need as the government shutdown drags on.

“Anything that you could possibly give your family, please take. Don’t be shy,” said Adam McLane, owner of the Farm at Worman Mill. No questions asked. “That’s how it works. That’s how we work,” McLane explained as he welcomed visitors with open arms and a smile. 

He sells most of his produce at his stand, which sits right on the Mariposa–Madera County line. In both counties, more than 36,000 people did not receive their CalFresh benefits this past weekend. 

With that and government workers on furlough, McLane wanted to help the community anyway he could. “The need is huge,” he shared. 

So, he and his wife turned their farmstand into a temporary food pantry, and it’s stocked with everything a family would need. “We’ve definitely seen some workers from Yosemite National Park that have come out because now it’s been over a month since they’ve received a paycheck. They have no idea when they’re going to receive that next check.”

In five days, they’ve already served close to 500 people. “We’re struggling and we’re optimistic that it’s going to be better,” said local Katie Ramirez, who provides in-home care for veterans. Until this month, she says she’s never had to visit a food pantry. “Usually, it’s me donating. Now it’s me having to receive. And it’s hard for me because I have pride. So I’m doing my best. So, yes, I will. When times get better, I will donate even more because they help me out.”

From milk, freshly baked bread, fruits, non-perishable items, and even dog food, everything is donated by the community for the community. 

Lindsey Steinke, owner of the Secret Ingredient Freshly Baked Goods, hopes her small donation of sourdough can make a difference to those experiencing hunger. “My mom’s a single mom with three kids. Raised us alone, and I’m a single mom. And, you know, I know when times get hard, you know, we need all the tough people,” she shared. 

McLane hopes the government will reopen soon and plans to close the temporary pantry when CalFresh benefits are restored. “It’s the mountain community doing what the mountain community has always done and doing what they do best. And that’s take care of one another, just neighbors taking care of neighbors.”

In the meantime, the food pantry is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.