Community: Township of Clay
Population: 2,500-9,999
A community supply and demand mini-pantry in the park. Hygiene and non-perishable food donations are made directly to the pantry by township citizens to supply the needs of their neighbors. Drive-up access is available for donations and needs, 24hrs/day x365 days! Overflow donations are stored at the township offices. This project was sponsored by a resident and has seen a great amount of support from neighbors, dog walkers and residents enjoying the park!
Replicability:
Our sponsor citizen donated the building supplies and the pantry itself was built by a volunteer. Our DPW installed the pantry near a small parking lot, for easy drive up access. Sponsor citizen initially stocked the pantry and now that the word is out on social media, other members of the community are bringing donations to keep it stocked.
Creativity and Originality:
This is the first pop up pantry in our area (hopefully not the last, as we are already in the planning phase of a second pantry) and it was completely initiated by a concerned citizen, who wanted to make a difference and had experience donating her time at food pantry's. She knew there was a stigma around coming to a food pantry for help and she wanted to make it more convenient and more discreet and so she reached out to the township to pitch her idea. She spearheaded the construction and installation of the pantry and did the initial stocking of goods and now oversees the pantry as she is walking her dog each day!
Community Impact:
The Pantry in the Park has provided a convenient, indiscreet, contactless way for our residents in need to obtain food and hygiene items that they might not be able to provide for themselves, or their families. This is another way for community members to make a difference by donating the items to stock the pantry. If you have been blessed with a little more, you can easily share that with someone who may be in need. Some residents aren't able to drive to food giveaway locations, due to numerous reasons but they are able to walk down the street to the park and find what they need.
