FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — An effort to feed hungry locals has taken root in Forsyth. The Free Little Pantry project has been established to extend help to those in the community who face tough times.
The project was formulated to fuel the relationship between the people who are willing to provide help and the people who require help. People donate food, personal hygiene items, snacks for kids, school supplies and other items to the pantries, and those who are in need of this assistance take what they require.
Each pantry is kept stocked and maintained by volunteers or donors who have “adopted” the pantries in order to maximize community support to those who need it. The pantries are open with unlimited hours so people may come and go as they please, unrestricted by time.
There will always be those who are in need, said Maria Pagano-Castaneda who is the driving force behind the Forsyth pantries.
“We have children in schools whose only meals are the ones they get at school,” she said. “Hunger is a real issue, and it is not something the government can stamp out. It has to be a community effort. I believe communities can do a better job of solving social issues than the government, and people are inherently good and want to help.”
Pagano-Castaneda was inspired by the national Free Pantry project and began a local Facebook group “Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Forsyth.” Much to Forsyth’s benefit, the group grew and was able to launch this community project with the permission of the property owners. Developing from an idea, the project is now endorsed by state Rep. Todd Jones.
And now, Pagano-Castaneda hopes the project and the efforts of those involved will positively impact the Forsyth community by helping to ease not only people’s needs but also the negative connotations associated with need.
“My hope is that it will take away the stigma of being in need,” she said. “Many of us are only a few paychecks or less away from being that person or family in need. I am glad to help those in need, and would be grateful if the time ever comes that my family is in need that we will have a resource that won't make us feel ashamed to use.”
The Free Little Pantry Project aims to install its first pantry in early October in the Shady Shores subdivision. More locations will follow as more volunteers adopt pantries.
For information regarding the Forsyth Free Little Pantries, contact Maria Pagano-Castaneda at forsythfreelittlepantryproject@gmail.com.
