Out & About: Pocket pantry fills 24-hour need for food, staples in Lebanon - Valley News

Out & About: Pocket pantry fills 24-hour need for food, staples in Lebanon - Valley News

As soon as Lebanon High School senior Annabelle Stott saw a video on Facbeook about building pocket food pantries, she knew she wanted to bring one to Lebanon.

“I ran to my parents’ room the night I saw it and told them, ‘I need to do this,’ ” Stott recalled.

Stott took the idea to the Lebanon High Interact Club, a high school version of the International Rotary Club, which was founded at LHS two years ago by Lebanon Rotary Club members and students.

“They’ve been massive in helping out,” Stott said. “If I wasn’t there to be able to do something, they stepped up.”

On Wednesday, Stott’s pocket food pantry was unveiled at Listen Community Services on Hanover Street in Lebanon. Affixed to the outside of the building, it resembles one of the little free libraries throughout the community and is believed to be the first of its kind in the Upper Valley.

“People in the community have something to access when all the food pantries are closed,” Stott said. At the opening, the food pantry contained nonperishable items such as pasta, granola bars, rice and oatmeal. It also was stocked with cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, and personal care items such as toothpaste and toilet paper.

The pantry was dedicated in honor of Sue Donnelly, a Lebanon Rotarian who advised the Lebanon High club and died unexpectedly last December.

“It’s really left a big hole in our hearts,” said Joy Gobin, extended learning opportunities coordinator at Lebanon High School and an Interact Club adviser.

Marilyn Bedell, one of many Rotarians who attended the ceremony, said it was a fitting way to honor Donnelly and described it as “something that Sue would really appreciate because she was always worrying about those in need.”

Area businesses donated building materials for the structure and people have donated money to keep the food pantry stocked.

“People are really helping out with this which is awesome,” Stott said.

The club built the food pantry and Stott worked with Lebanon High instructors to create a weather-resistant design and structure.

“It’s been a great experience for the students to learn many different facets of this one project,” Gobin said.

Initially, Stott wanted to place the pantry at Colburn Park.

“I started working through the town with it to try to get it somewhere on the Lebanon green,” Stott said. “That ended up not being feasible.”

She then turned to Listen and program services director Angela Zhang.

“I think this makes a lot of sense,” Zhang said. The pocket food pantry is right outside Listen’s food pantry and the nonprofit organization will help keep it stocked alongside members of the Interact club.

Listen has seen a double-digit increase in the number of families who need assistance. Some people may be embarrassed that they need help with food and the pocket food pantry — which they can access any day and anytime — gives them the opportunity to get supplies without having to go into Listen and ask directly for help.

“I think this is just such a wonderful incentive,” Zhang said.

The nonprofit organization is open to sponsoring additional pocket food pantries.

“We’re going to start with one,” Zhang said. “I can’t imagine this won’t be successful.”

Stott, who will graduate in a few weeks and attend the University of New Hampshire, is happy to have the food pantry installed for those who need it.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community somehow,” Stott said.

What a wonderful way she has.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.