TESTIMONIALS
The Wellston Center - 2026
The Fresh Produce
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“The vegetables are healthy for you. The fruits and vegetables are good for the body. That’s another reason why I come here – to get me some fresh vegetables, because I eat a lot of fresh vegetables.”
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“The food selection you all have are things that we need instead of things that we don’t need, which is just something that the other place is giving away. The fresh vegetables are something I can really use, and I don’t get that all the time elsewhere.”
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“Everything I get here is fresh from the greens to the fruit. I got cabbage from here and Oh My God. I cooked it. It was big. I’ve never seen a cabbage that big. It was delicious. The chicken, the fish, the green beans, the carrots. It’s all healthy. I’m a diabetic, so I kind of watch what I eat.”
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“You don’t give away food that’s expired like some other pantries. I have not received anything from you all that was expired. You give out more vegetables than others do.”
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“You see the reason I need that food is I have my grandson living with me. And my grandkids come over and I feed them, my children and myself. I take food to others in the family. Some of them don’t have cars. They can’t get around. I pick it up and I share it. And the food is healthier here - broccoli, oranges, apples – the fresh produce. That’s what I’m talking about.”
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“The fruits and vegetables are the best food you offer.”
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“If a neighbor asked me about the Wellston Center, I’d tell them about the fresh fruit and vegetables . . . the broccoli, oranges, apples . . .”
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“I don’t do canned goods. I’m a Vegan so I do a lot of beans and raw vegetables so that’s kind of what you guys give, so I don’t see any ways to improve that.”
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“It (rating of the healthiness of the food) is high especially with all the fresh fruit and vegetables. I don’t know what the Wellston Center can do to improve that rating.”
ST. ANTHONY'S FOOD PANTRY - December 2025
"Every Friday , our friends at Giddo Simon Ministries show up with fresh produce for our guests. Week after week, without fail. Their Fresh Produce Ministry makes sure our families in our community have access to fruits and vegetables that nourish both body and spirit. Giddo Simon Ministries is a valued partner, not just to St. Anthony's Food Pantry, but to so many other pantries across St. Louis. Their generosity helps keep healthy food on tables when its needed most.
"Thank you , Giddo Simon Ministries , for being a steady source of care for our neighbors."
ANDREW - WELLSTON FOOD PANTRY
ROBERT TELTHORST - DIRECTOR OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA FOOD PANTRY
"Demand at our food pantry has outstripped our ability to provide food for our guests. Giddo Simon Ministries has filled that need with consistent donations of fruit and vegetables. Giddo Simon Ministries has been an incredible blessing to us!"
KATHY TORRINGTON - 1ST GRADE TEACHER AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI
"Christmas at Cabrini is one of the most magical school experiences I have ever had the privilege of attending. From the moment I walked into the gym transformed into a Christmas fantasy land, I was hooked! The attention to every detail is evident in the beautiful decorations, delicious meal, well-planned children's activities and the fully stocked Christmas shop. The looks on the faces of our children and their families as they discover one delight after another warms my heart each year. The event is pure love in action."
JIM PRAG - ORGANIZER AT ST. TRINITY FOOD PANTRY
"Thanks so much for all you and your wonderful family has done over the years. George must have a great big smile on his face knowing that his family is carrying on his giving spirit. What more could a father ask for!!! Thank you so much and please pass on our thanks to all those who are making this possible."
CAROLINE KOETTING - PRINCIPAL AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI ACADEMY
"We are so grateful for your ministry - the joy and nourishment in our cafeteria is amazing this year."
DEBBIE OVERBY - ST. TRINITY FOOD PANTRY COORDINATOR
"Your generous donations have helped us serve nearly 200,000 pounds to almost 10,000 people in 2019. Many thanks for all your support and wishing you many blessing in the New Year!"
You all are an incredible blessing. We're starting to survey families, and a reoccurring theme is joy from the fresh produce. People up here just want to go home and make a meal and not have to worry about bills for a moment. They can do that because of you all. Even our volunteers seem more happy on days that we have produce; just ask them. Something about passing out fresh fruit and veggies just makes everyone feel a little better at the pantry.