Through a collaborative partnership with St. Mary's Food Bank, Jooba Hogan Food Facility normally serves 1,500-2,000 families each month. The pantry, a ministry of Our Lady of Fatima, sorts and distributes food in Chinle, Arizona. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jooba Hogan Food Facility has seen an increase in need, a heartbreaking trend for food banks across the United States. Florecito "PJ" Pabatao, OFM, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, has been working diligently to meet the community's increasing needs while following best practices to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Jooba Hogan Food Facility has recently implemented a drive-thru distribution process that allows patrons to remain in their vehicles. During distribution, Father PJ serves as a traffic aid as he directs patrons through the long queues snaking in the parking lot. In addition to maintaining a safe social distance, the pantry ran into another logistical challenge. Jooba Hogan Food Facility relies on Our Lady of Fatima parishioners that volunteer to sort and distribute the food, however with a shelter-in-place on the Navajo Nation, many of the usual volunteers have not been able to come in. Father PJ requested help from the Chinle Chapter House, who graciously agreed to volunteer. He said, "I am so thankful for the Chinle Chapter House who made it possible to distribute food." So with 15 dedicated volunteers from Chinle Chapter House, St. Mary's Food Bank, and Jooba Hogan Food Facility, more than 360 families were able to receive food before the Navajo Nation weekend quarantine curfew. When asked about the new challenges, Father PJ exclaimed, "We have to do what we can to offer help and continue the ministry."

If you would like to offer help through a monetary donation, Jooba Hogan Food Facility is accepting donations! Checks can be mailed: 

Our Lady of Fatima 
P.O. Box 2119
Chinle, AZ 86503-2119