Little free Pantry

By Paula Zsiray, council member

Proverbs 22:9 - A generous person will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
 
According to recent local statistics, Cache County has a food insecurity of 15.1%, with more than 17,510 people in Cache County potentially experiencing hunger. Another report shows that Cache County has the fifth highest level of poverty, at 16.6%, within the state of Utah.
In September, Mountain Crest HS (where I teach) started the “Giving Place” to help students that are in need of extra support.  Last January when I got my regular email from NPR, there was an article from Morning Edition, “A New Type Of Food Pantry Is Sprouting In Yards Across America”.  The article made me think that perhaps Prince of Peace could join this effort and help our neighbors.
A Little Free Pantry or Blessing Box is generally stocked with canned vegetables and proteins, personal care items, and paper goods go fast. Also, kid-friendly non-perishables, like school supplies for August! 
 
How does a Little Free Pantry differ from our local food bank? 

• The LFP is small, so it will not stock the quantity and variety that is available at the food bank. 
  • For this reason, it should not be relied on for meeting pervasive need.
• The local food bank requires an application before use and has set hours of operation. 
  • Anyone may access the LFP at any time.
• The food bank operates as a service provider; those who use them are clients.
  • The LFP dissolves that professional boundary. Whether providing or taking provisions, everyone approaches the LFP the same way, mediating the shame that accompanies need.
• Food banks are critical in addressing food insecurity. But some fall through the cracks. 
  • The LFP is a safety net.
• The LFP is a proving ground, testing concepts like community, charity, justice, and sharing economy.

 
Thanks to a donation by Marty’s Distributing here in Logan Prince of Peace has a container to use for a pantry. 
The non-functioning beverage cooler is bright red and has ‘This Bud’s for you!’ printed on both sides.  So… We need your help to re-paint. Then we need to place/install the pantry.  And finally, we will need to stock the pantry with useable items.
Please contact Paula Zsiray pzsiray@gmail.com or Pastor Thalacker pastorpop7@gmail.com if you would like to assist with getting this LFP up and running.