by Susan Slater
After distributing more than 17,000 food bags in two years, the pantry celebrated its two-year anniversary. Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, snacks, and all the fixings, the food was cooked fresh on site, with Gordon Food Service sponsoring the meal and community partners joining. Visits from the local Chamber, Rotary Club, Solaris Healthcare and more came to make the day feel like both a celebration and a thank-you to our veterans. Organizer Ernie Smith said he wanted to personally thank the volunteers who have been with the pantry since the beginning. About 90 percent of the original volunteers are still volunteering every Thursday and Friday.
LeeAnn Starcher continues to serve as assistant director. Jaime Misener runs the food pantry. Frank Feltz helps pick up meat on Wednesdays with Ernie. Dave, known affectionately as “the cardboard guy,” donates his time, handles recycling, and brings food items from Betmar. The Zephyrhills Elks Club has also joined the effort. Members from the newly formed Elks Lodge in Wesley Chapel have volunteered as well.
Vets Feeding Vets has raised money through a joint venture at Culver’s. The Italian American Club continues to make quarterly donations, while Humana and Aetna remain connected through sponsorship and insurance benefit support for veterans. There is also a lawyer on site to help veterans with their benefits for a fee. Veterans complete a short form with basic information and military ID. Then they can access food at no cost. The pantry offers a grab-and-go room for dry goods, produce, meats, and even small bags of cat and dog food. Volunteers also help carry bags to vehicles, making the experience easier and more personal for the veterans.
Commandoughs owner Michael Weaver helped with the cooking, working alongside his daughter, Kiley Noble, and her friend Madeline Garcia. Lisa Leite also helped with cooking. Mandy Shultz and Felix Vasquez from Pepsi brought drinks and snacks. Felix said he always loves helping the community, especially veterans: “They gave their service for our freedom, why not?” Solaris Healthcare from Dairy Road brought veteran clients to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs.
Warren Godboat, an Army veteran who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era, reflected on his military service by saying, “I was the last one to be blessed. It was the best cry I had.” For LeeAnn Starcher, volunteering for veterans is deeply personal. “It is an honor and a blessing,” she said. “It is the least I can do. These men got spit on when they came home from the Vietnam War.”
After two years, the pantry has become more than a food distribution site. It is a weekly gathering place built on volunteer commitment, local partnerships, and respect for veterans. With longtime volunteers still showing up, new partners joining in, and thousands of food bags already distributed, the pantry’s next chapter continues to be rooted in service. Food pick up is on Fridays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, to donate or become involved, contact Ernie Smith at
