Eagle Scout Project Will Provide Non-Perishable Food to Community Members When the Reading Food Pantry Is Closed
Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA — Bill Lockhart, of Reading Troop 702, is establishing a Mini-Food Pantry on the Library grounds as his final Eagle Scout project. The installation is scheduled to take place this week.
Similar in design and size to Little Free Libraries seen around town, the Mini-Food Pantry is designed for community members to donate and will contain non-perishable, shelf-stable food items. Once installed, the Reading Public Library will assist in its ongoing maintenance.
“The Mini-Food Pantry is there for people who need food when the Reading Food Pantry is closed, and people can also donate non-perishable food items if they wish,” says Mr. Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart will provide information about donations and collections for the Pantry on site.
The Reading Food Pantry will assist in spreading information about the new Mini-Food Pantry as well.
The Library’s Mini-Food Pantry joins a growing number of them in town, including one located at The First Baptist Church at 45 Woburn Street.
“The Reading Food Pantry is so pleased that the Library will be hosting a Mini-Food Pantry, giving people quick, easy access to food when the Pantry is not open,” says Simone Payment, Reading Food Pantry Executive Director.
“We are thankful to Bill for taking on this project and the Library for hosting, and we hope this inspires other groups or individuals to build and host their own Mini-Food Pantry in other areas of town. Together we can help our neighbors facing food insecurity. We invite anyone to visit the Pantry Monday nights from 6:30 to 7:30pm or Friday mornings 10:30 to 11:30am for help with food, paper products, personal hygiene products, baby items (diapers, food, formula), and home-cooked meals.”
“The Library is proud to support Bill in this meaningful project,” says Monette Verrier, Reading Public Library Trustee. The Mini-Food Pantry is a wonderful example of our mission in action as we strive to connect people with the resources.
If you are interested in hosting (or building!) a Mini-Food Pantry in town, please contact the Reading Food Pantry: readingfoodpantry@gmail.com.
