GRAND HAVEN — A new micro-pantry will provide for those who need a stigma-free way to access food and personal care items at any time.
The micro-pantry is located along the alley side of Extended Grace’s Momentum Center building at 714 Columbus Ave. in the Centertown area of Grand Haven.
Much like the city's mini-lending libraries, where people can easily leave or take books whenever they are needed, micro-pantries are an easily accessible way for those to donate or take non-perishable food, pet, or personal care items.
The idea was pitched to Barbara Van Horssen, executive director of Extended Grace, by Grand Haven’s Natalie Carmolli after she saw a friend’s Facebook post about groups placing micro-pantries in Illinois.
Van Horssen was enthusiastic about the project and the two immediately set about planning to make it a reality.
“As an organization committed to working with marginalized populations, we know the need for life's basics don't always fit normal hours of operation," said Van Horssen.
"The Momentum Center is all about creating a stigma-free community that connects people with each other. With this pantry, that work continues, as everyone is invited to give and take as they have resources and as they have needs.”
Carmolli, a marketing specialist for Spring Meadow Nursery in Robinson Township, applied for a grant to build out and initially stock the micro-pantry from Spring Meadow’s donor advised fund, which was created to support community giving.
The company’s donor advised fund committee, comprised of Spring Meadow employees, chose to fund this project in its 2018 end-of-year granting period.
Members of the community are encouraged to drop off food or take items from the cabinet-sized pantry, which is open 24 hours a day. Any overflow items will be stored at the Momentum Center for restocking or will be donated to The People Center’s food pantry in Spring Lake.
Preferred pantry stock items are canned food, peanut butter, jelly, and small snack items such as granola bars, which can be picked up and taken on the go.
Canned pet food and personal care/toiletry items are also welcomed. Post-dated food and medications cannot be accepted and will be discarded.
For more information, contact Extended Grace at 616-414-9111.
