A “little” new food pantry is open to the public at St. Clair Elementary.
The box pantry was put up last week and it is located near the corner of Bardot and Springfield streets.
St. Clair Elementary Counselor Megan Griffin said the community run pantry will be available 24/7. “Take what you need, leave what you can,” is its motto written across the pantry.
“The whole idea is that these people that need assistance, they might need it at 10 o’clock at night, they don’t necessarily need it on a Tuesday or Thursday between 2 and 4 (p.m.),” Griffin said.
The pantry was donated by Zac’s Challenge organization, she added.
“Zac’s Challenge is really to spread awareness and information for organ, tissue and eye donation, but now they’re just trying to stretch out and just do what communities need,” she said.
Community members can make donations to Griffin or put items directly in the pantry. Items needed are nonperishable foods, hygiene essentials and baby items such as diapers, wipes and formula.
As colder months approach, warm clothing including hats, socks and other warm garments will be needed.
“We are happy to offer the little food pantry to our students and their families,” Assistant Superintendent Nadine Aitch said.
“We hope that the St. Clair community can see the need and help as well. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to help someone who may be in need of a gift of kindness.”
Another “little” food pantry will be soon mounted outside Edgar Murray Elementary.
Agape Food Pantry
Items needed for the Agape food pantry are macaroni and cheese, canned soup, canned fruit, healthy cereals and quick snacks for children such as peanut butter.
“Those are the main items that are hard to come by,” Director Jim Armistead said.
Nonfood items needed include toilet paper, tissues and school supplies.
For now, the pantry has a sufficient supply of canned green beans and corn, eggs, and produce, he added.
Easy to open canned goods and quick snacks for children and seniors are items that the pantry is in need of, Armistead said.
In October, the Agape House will start collecting toys for the annual toy drive in December.
The Agape Hunger Line is located at 1095 N. Service Road East in St. Clair. Hours of operation are Monday from noon-2 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Friday from 1-3 p.m.
