FERGUS – Stacey Bird was scrolling through Facebook when she happened across the 519 Community Collective Free Pantry Project.
The grassroots initiative, which has operated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, involves setting up small pantries that offer free basic food supplies, hygiene products and baby formula for those in need.
The group is working on installing 17 pantries in Waterloo Region, Guelph and Centre Wellington.
When the group posted the need for a host in Fergus, Bird, remembering her friend in Cambridge hosted a pantry, was inspired to do the same.
After about a month-long process, the pantry was installed on May 24 at 200 Tait Crescent in Fergus.
This Little Free Pantry has been sponsored by Frannie’s Restaurant and Bakery in Breslau.
The guiding principle of this project is “take what you need, give what you can,” Bird told the Advertiser.
What keeps the pantry going is locals donating what they can spare, making it a community effort.
Bird was happily surprised on May 25 when she noticed a few donations within the pantry’s first 24 hours.
Bird and her family have set up donation bins where those with items can drop them off, giving Bird a chance to sort them before they go in the pantry.
“The nice thing about Little Free Pantry is how simple it is … it demonstrates to others how easy it is to care for each other,” said Bird.
She also mentioned the benefit of accessibility, noting the pantry is always available if needed.
