Shen food pantry plans relocation - KMAland

Shen food pantry plans relocation - KMAland

(Shenandoah) -- Dreams of a new facility have come true for supporters of the Shenandoah Community Food Pantry.

Officials are hoping to move into a new building at 1209 5th Avenue sometime early next month. Food Pantry Director Jeanine Liljedahl tells KMA News an unknown benefactor's kindness helped the organization secure the new location.

"An anonymous donor came forward," said Liljedahl, "and gave us funding to buy a building, and to furnish the building, and to keep building in future years with. The money we got will help pay electricity and those kind of bills as we go forward."

Liljedahl stresses none of the donations used for food purchases went into the 5th Avenue location's purchase.

"All the money that people have given us for food or health care are still going to that," said Liljedahl. "None of those donations were used to purchase the building, or to run the building. So, we're really proud of that."

Currently, the food pantry is located in the Shenandoah 1st Baptist Church's basement at 411 West Clarinda Avenue. Among other things, she says the one-floor building will allow for easier food transfers.

"The First Baptist Church has been super good to us over the years," she said. "But, the only problem is there are stairs, and that's a problem not only for clients, but for volunteers. So, our new place has no stairs in the back of our building. We have cement, so trucks can pull right up the door, so we can unload food that way. And, we think it will just be really easy. Everything will be located on one floor now, and it just flows really well."

Additionally, Liljedahl says the new building provides more space for food storage.

"Actually, this building is about double the size that we have at the old pantry--so that was major," said Liljedahl. "So, by doubling that, we're able to buy more food at a time, and we won't have to order as often. The same with stocking shelves--we'll just be able to bring it forward on the shelves, where before we could do only one thing of food. Now, we can do two or so."

Liljedahl says volunteers will be needed to relocate the pantry from its current location. Anyone interested in volunteering should leave a message on the food pantry's answering machine at 712-246-3190.