Eston’s Little Free Pantry moves to new location and format
By Joan Janzen
Eston’s Little Free Pantry has moved to its new location at 208 Main Street and continues to provide food security in the community. In an effort to address questions regarding the move and the change to a pantry-box format, Kelly Knight provided answers on social media.
When it was brought to her attention that the pantry shelves at the library needed supplies, Kelly offered to help. She and her mom, Carole Stevenson, had already been assisting library staff with the pantry.
After the library stepped down, Brealynn Trarback offered space to house the pantry and joined Kelly and her mom, forming a group of three volunteers. It didn’t take long before shelves were built, containers were secured to hold food staples, and a fridge was donated and delivered.
“We talked to the Town of Eston and the RM to make sure they were on board and to provide a neutral spot for application forms to be picked up and dropped off,” Kelly said.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at 210 Main Street (Fresh) or deposited into The Little Free Pantry account at the Credit Union; however, the pantry is unable to provide a tax receipt for income tax purposes. Facebook and Instagram will be used to relay and receive information to and from both pantry users and those wishing to make donations.
Applicants who have filled out the one-time application form need to sign up by 9 p.m. Thursday evenings through WhatsApp or by texting the number on the application form to be eligible for a food box pickup the following Monday. This system is designed to supplement groceries, so some applicants may not require a box every week. Pickup for pre-ordered boxes will be at 208 Main Street every Monday at 5 p.m. only. Deliveries will be offered during the colder months to those who are housebound or do not have a vehicle.
When boxes are picked up, extra items such as cleaning supplies and toiletry items will be offered when available. If the pickup day changes due to a statutory holiday, those signed up for a box will be notified.
A few community members have offered to help. They may be called upon when the current volunteers are unable to pack and distribute food, once clear instructions for helpers have been developed.
“We contacted the food bank in Kindersley, who shared how they manage their system, and we took some helpful tips from them,” Kelly said. Under the new system, every box will be packed with similar items to ensure fair distribution. Family boxes will be based on the number of adults and children in the home.
Food donations (pantry, freezer and fridge items) can be dropped off at 210 Main Street during business hours. The Eston Co-op is still collecting non-perishables for those who find it convenient to donate there.