Many of us are buying the last of the presents on our lists, preparing for holidays dinners and figuring out how to social distance while still enjoying long held traditions. Many others are simply looking for their next meal.
According to Feed America, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 35 million people struggled with hunger in the United States, including up to 10 million children. They now project that more than 50 million people, including 17 million children may be currently experiencing food insecurity.
Image courtesy of Little Free Pantry.
Little Free Pantry Salida hosts multiple mini food pantries throughout the community. The idea is to leave non-perishable food within the pantry and those in need can come and take as they please. This may seem simple, but will directly help those who are struggling this holiday season.
To participate, it’s as simple as getting a couple extra items while shopping for your own Christmas dinner or purchasing a cartful. The goal is to donate what you can.
Mini pantry locations include the Salida Elks Lodge and East Second Street close to Starpoint. Five free libraries have also been converted to Little Free Pantries due to food insecurity caused by COVID-19.
These locations include:
- KHEN radio station, 124 E. Third St.
- 224 Fifth St.
- 1040 F St.; food can be placed in the cooler on the side.
- Entrance of Cochetopa Estates, located off County Road 140, on Silver Spruce Circle
- Chipeta Avenue and Antero Street in Poncha Springs.
The mini pantry movement is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local needs. Mini pantries help feed neighbors and nourish neighborhoods.
Given the need this holiday season; this might be the time to remember that “it is more blessed to give than receive;” this year — especially to Little Free Pantries.
We also have a Little Free Pantry Facebook page. Thank you for the article♡