Stock Up on Pantry
Essentials with Your Neighbours!
If all goes according
to the federal government’s current plans, a new “Groceries and Essentials”
benefit will take effect this spring for people who are struggling across the
country. Meanwhile, here in Highland Park, a group of neighbours have been
trying small steps with little fanfare to help relieve the pinch of high food
prices by providing a “Little Free Pantry.”
You’ve likely seen
“little free libraries” around the city, often hosted on a household’s front
lawn for passersby to access and share books. A little free pantry is much the
same size and shape as a little library but provides snacks and essentials instead
of books.
If you’re looking for
a real-life example, check out the pantry in our neighbourhood at 3823 2 Street
NW. People are dropping off food while walking their dogs, contributing money
to help the pantry hosts stock up, and showing interest in the project during
community markets where the volunteers have been present.
At the same time,
others are regularly opening the pantry door to take what they need. We’ve
observed our neighbours using it respectfully – taking what they need while
leaving supplies for others. Still, it’s clear that folks on their way to work,
school, and elsewhere are passing the pantry and feeling the need to access its
goods.
Last year, 135,526
people used the Calgary Food Bank; 37 percent of them were children. While we
don’t expect anyone in Highland Park to individually solve this challenge, you
can certainly become one part of the solution.
If you find yourself
in the position of having a little extra to give:
·
Please give what you
would like to receive, and consider the popular items listed below.
·
Leave supplies in the
pantry or on the porch at the address mentioned above.
·
Take your contributions
to the Highland Park Community Association at 3716 2 Street NW from Monday to Thursday
between 7:00 and 9:00 pm.
·
Email [email protected]
with e-transfer donations.
Can you take on a
slightly bigger role? We’d love to see more Little Free Pantries pop up around
the neighbourhood. We’ve even built a second pantry and are looking for someone
to host it. Our volunteers will help you install the pantry, get everything set-up,
and stay in contact to support you with what we’ve learned so far about
managing and sharing food donations. If you or someone you know might be
interested in this opportunity, contact [email protected].
Families facing food
insecurity often compromise on food quality, skip meals, or rely on cheaper,
less nutritious options…all of these realities can have long-term consequences
for health and well‑being (many of which become more difficult and expensive to
address later on).
If you are looking for
a way to support neighbours who are experiencing hunger – or if you simply
believe that meaningful change often starts with small, everyday actions – we
would love your support!
Popular Items List:
·
Canned Meats of any sort,
i.e., chicken or tuna snack packs
·
Canned Chili, Manwich,
Ravioli Etc. (hearty and heat-able!)
·
Boxed Mac and Cheese
·
Spreadable Cheese and
Cracker Sets
·
Instant Noodles
·
Instant Rice (small size Uncle
Ben’s, etc.)
·
Instant Pasta
·
Heat and Eat Meals
·
Canned Vegetables
·
Band-Aids
·
Pads/Tampons
·
Deodorant
·
Chapstick
·
Tissue Travel Packs
Click here to the Highland Park Community News home page for the latest Highland Park community updates.
