Interview with John Cogis, Our Lady of the Valley Conference, Beaver County
At Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry, It’s More Than a Meal—It’s a Ministry of Hope
At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh, the mission to serve neighbors in need goes far beyond providing essentials—it’s about creating moments of dignity, compassion, and connection. One shining example of this is the work being done at the Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry, where each month over 100 families receive far more than groceries. We recently spoke with one of the dedicated Vincentians leading this joyful effort to learn what makes this pantry so special, how themed “celebration days” uplift families, and why friendship and faith are at the heart of it all.
Q: How did you become involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh?
A: Like many others, you see or hear of some works of the Society and join to make a difference. For me, it was a program on EWTN that highlighted a ministry serving the homeless. At Our Lady of the Valley you can help hungry families at the Food Pantry or visit a family in their home facing a crisis. But you quickly discover it is not simply about the works but it is more about the Friendship, Compassion, Respect, and Trust. It inspires when you witness heartfelt gratitude and renewed hope.
Q: What inspired you to take on a leadership role at the pantry?
A: There is so much work to do, and Vincentians and volunteers want to make a real difference for the families that visit each month. With the exponential growth in the number of families facing food insecurity, comes the challenge of being ready when the doors open to make every visit a special and joyous occasion. Whatever I need to do to remove obstacles and support each month’s offerings made ready by all the Pantry workers is essential for the health and wellbeing of our visiting Friends In Need. We all know as we say a prayer before opening the doors that this will be a special occasion for those who line up outside and for all Vincentians that serve. The Food Pantry leadership is dedicated to this outcome.
Q: Tell us a little about your pantry. What sets it apart?
A: The 2nd Tuesday of each month more than 100 families line up outside of Keating Hall to receive an oversized bag of nonperishable food and a $25 food voucher redeemed at their local grocery store for fresh items. There are stations throughout the pantry where families stock up on toiletries and essential household goods, supplies for infants and clothing for toddlers, gifts for children and treats for the entire family, religious books and devotionals, and even food for their four legged family members. Every month we prepare a “special menu” based on a timely theme: visitors encounter a Christmas celebration, Thanksgiving thankfulness, Fourth of July picnic, and a Cinco de Mayo festival to name a few. Each themed event must provide nourishing food offerings to impact the family’s food deficiencies. Our visiting friends know when they come to Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry they will receive other treasures from the Vincentians and volunteers who welcome them with kindness and respect for their dignity. They encounter friendship, understanding, and hope.
Q: Can you share a story that’s stayed with you?
A: Each month families line up outside anticipating a spectacular event. Our visiting friends and the Vincentians spend time together more like family rather than random strangers. When all is ready and the doors are about to open Vincentians pray together that our hearts are open and our actions are welcoming. Chairman Joe ventures out to greet all, walking the line, and encouraging them to “go to church”, “check out the Mass times” in the Bulletin stuffed in their food bags, and “take care of each other”. He announces to all this is a great time to keep respect in your mind, kindness in your words, and friendship in your hearts. You could see everyone agrees as heads nod and smiles blossom. We witness the friendliness, kindness, and cheerfulness among strangers. A lady standing in line asks for a chair. She noticed an elderly man with disabilities in obvious pain standing behind her and encourages him to sit. She would help move the chair as they moved closer to the front. A small group of women have become new friends as they talk about their hardships and their blessings. You can hear one of them proclaim the love of Jesus for them. The next visitor was just about to enter through the doors of Keating when she spotted our disabled senior veteran arriving at the end of the line. She left her place to greet him and was moved by his frailty as he inched closer with his walker. She did not leave his side as they bypassed everyone in line. Looks of kindness and approval were exchanged by everyone as they slowly went by and disappeared into the pantry. A young girl carrying her bag of groceries on the way out stops and says she was given a rosary at the last visit and wondered if she could get another for a friend.
Q: What does being a Vincentian mean to you?
A: At the Food Pantry as our Friends leave for their homes you can see the joy in their faces. Many tell us they prefer to come to Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry over other food resources in Beaver County. On the way out each Friend passes by with a big smile, a cheerful “thank you”, and a heartfelt “God Bless”. “See you next month” is the reply from each Vincentian, while under their breath they are thanking God for the blessings they just received. This is the face of Christ we strive to see in those we serve.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting or revitalizing a pantry?
A: Give each one of your Friends in Need a place where they can go to reduce the impact of food insecurity, share some friendship with fellow visitors and with Vincentians who greet them, and find respect for their dignity from those Vincentians who care for their needs. It simply is not giving and getting groceries; it is offering a hand in friendship and nurturing a ray of hope. Make it a heartwarming experience and witness the fruits of the Holy Spirit.