Inspiration Arrives in a Jar
GLADIOLUS FOOD PANTRY
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
JANUARY 11, 2024
About 15 years ago, Miriam Ortiz found inspiration in an unexpected place: peanut butter.
While assisting her Harlem Heights church community in Florida, Miriam visited the home of a woman recovering from an accident that left her unable to walk, along with her elderly husband. Miriam discovered an abundance of peanut butter in their kitchen, prompting her to inquire about their apparent love for the spread.
To her surprise, the woman explained, “You know, my husband and I get food from the food bank. They always give us peanut butter, but we don’t eat peanut butter! So it just builds up there in the cupboard. Do you want to take some home with you?”
Miriam accepted two jars, and on her drive home, an idea began to take shape.
“I want to make a food bank like a grocery store. People take what they need.”
Miriam ortiz
Two years later, Miriam turned that idea into reality with the founding of Gladiolus Food Pantry.
Miriam’s vision was centered on providing choice to the Harlem Heights community. “We let people fill up their cart with what they can use and what they want,” Miriam explained. Despite skepticism from friends who were concerned that people would take too much, Miriam persevered.
“People will learn that we will have what they need every month. They don’t need to stock up.”
It turned out to be a recipe for success. With food donations from grocery stores and food banks, Gladiolus Food Pantry provides the community with the dignity of choice. The necessity of the pantry is evident through the queues of hundreds of people waiting for the doors to open. It only took a couple of months after Gladiolus opened for Miriam to realize there was a need throughout Lee County, not just in her Harlem Heights neighborhood.
Miriam explained, “It’s not just the local area. I don’t want my volunteers to say no to people when they come for food. You know, we open at 11. If you come here waiting at six in the morning, that means you need food.”
“And another thing, we don’t judge anyone. If you come and take something a little extra, I tell staff not to make any issue. I always say that’s not who we are. We’re not here to judge. We are here to help them supplement their budget.”
Miriam’s compassionate approach, allowing individuals to take what they need without judgment, has created a welcoming space for those seeking assistance.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Lee County, causing devastation and leaving thousands in need. Gladiolus Food Pantry, already a crucial resource, became even more vital. Enter All Hands and Hearts, a team of volunteers ready to lend a hand. Miriam expressed her gratitude, saying, “All Hands and Hearts! They’ve been my heroes all the time since Ian! After the hurricane, they started helping us.”
The All Hands and Hearts team became an invaluable support system, assisting Miriam’s staff and ensuring the pantry continued to operate smoothly. Miriam appreciates their dedication, stating, “Thank you very, very much for All Hands and Hearts because they’ve been and are still a great help. Without them, I don’t know what we would do, because they are always here helping.”
Photos and story by Brian Johnson for All Hands and Hearts
