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Little Food Pantries By Danielle Nyland
early 5,310 residents of Greene County don’t know where they will find their next meal. The Greene County Food Security Partnership is working to help those more than 5,000 people find meals through community-provided services, the newest of which are the little free pantries available around the county. Greene County offers many assistance programs to help food insecurity in the county; SNAP benefits are available, as well as the community food banks. The Greene County Food Security Partnership offers a monthly Produce to the People near the end of each month. Some people don’t qualify for those programs but still suffer from food insecurity – the little free pantries help bridge the gap between those that qualify for assistance and those that don’t but still need help. “Food insecurity is a big problem,” said Maribeth Tarpley-Garrett of Greene County Human Services. “A lot of people don’t qualify for the typical forms of assistance like SNAP or food pantries. There are a lot of guidelines to meet. This helps those people that need that extra assistance but can’t turn to the other options.” “There’s also a lot of pride when it comes to dealing with food insecurity. A lot of people don’t want to get help because of their pride. These little pantries are more anonymous and they can access them any time.” The GCFSP partnered with the Greene County Career & Technology Center to build the boxes. The weather stable pantries are resistant to weather and watertight. They are stocked with non-perishable food items, canned goods, as well
as personal hygiene supplies, toiletries, household items and even activity books. The four sites around Greene County organized the GCFSP – located at Bowlby Library, Flenniken Library, Aleppo Brethren Church, and Spraggs United Methodist Church – are each monitored and stocked by a community group that has taken them over after installation. The library itself initially monitored Flenniken Library’s little pantry, before Girl Scout Troop 52374 took it on as a project. The troop monitors the items in the pantry, checking for perishable items, expiration dates and packaging, as well as stocking it with supplies. “We’ve seen a lot of activity with the box that was installed here at the library,” said Nicole Mitchell, Flenniken Library Director. “Just a few weeks ago, a man thanked us for having it because he was able to make a dinner when he didn’t think he would be able to. It’s been very helpful for the community.” “Transportation plays a large part in food insecurity, especially in a place like Greene County where there isn’t a large public transit system,” added Maribeth. “We’re looking to expand into more pantries in the future so that they are even more accessible. If we can get someone in the community to support the pantry, make it a service project… it’s a good way for people to get involved in their community.” If you are interested in starting a little food pantry in your community, contact the Greene County Food Security Partnership at 724-8525276. If you would like to donate goods for the pantries already available, please reach out to the organization monitoring the pantry near you.
Dear Santa, My name is Tyler and I am 6 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I follow the rules at school. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a Ford toy truck and a puppy? I will name the puppy after my teacher, as long as it’s a girl. I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Tyler Barnhart
Executive Director Nicole Mitchell and head of Children’s Outreach Brandy Schooley stand near Flenniken’s pantry.
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GreeneScene Magazine •
HOLIDAY #2 - DECEMBER
2018
