Sharing Food, Sharing Kindness: Our Community Pantry Story
In our neighbourhood, we’re all about being good to each other. So many people that live in Ranchlands are always helping out and trying to make sure everyone feels cared for. We may have arrived in Ranchlands by chance but so many of us stay here by choice. The Ranchlands Food Pantry (RFP) is one reason many of our neighbours choose to stay in our community.
Monday is a busy day at the Ranchlands Community Centre, as the RFP team comes together to fill the boxes with staples for some of our neighbours who need extra help to put food on the table for their family. As well as the staples, practical items like toilet paper are added. Then Zen Lee, our RFP manager, arrives around 4:00 pm to finalize everything and coordinate the distribution between 4:30 and 5:30 pm.
Extra items that you don’t always think about are added, like toothbrushes and toothpaste depending on availability. If someone has a birthday, they might get a cake mix. And then there is the opportunity to shop the items laid out on the counter to add to their hamper. And finally, to make the contents even more well-rounded, families can select items from the freezer, as well as the fridge that is stocked with a host of non-perishable items. The whole process is a kind, respectful, and well-oiled machine.
RFP really is a fabulous opportunity for all of us to come together. The need is always there. If you require food, please call us – the online application is simple. If you can help keep the shelves stocked, please do. You can donate and drop items off in the RFP box located at the RCA entrance or you can make a cash donation at the office.
It’s clear that here in our neighbourhood, we’ve got each other’s backs. It is good that in our community we help each other out and are dedicated to making sure nobody goes without. That’s what Ranchlands community is all about—showing kindness and making sure everyone knows they’re not alone. More information about the RFP is on our website at ranchlandscommunity.com/rfp/.
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