Small pantry helping in a big way

Food bank keeps giving and giving in Lawrencetown

A little square building at 43 Lawrencetown Lane is magic. Or at least it seems that way. Open the door and food appears.

It's a miniature food bank that's been helping the hungry for going on two years. It's open 24/7 and Maureen MacInnis says it's needed more now than ever.

MacInnis, who's a member of the Annapolis Valley Folk School, said it was brought to her attention that Annapolis County had the second highest number of hungry children in Nova Scotia.

"I believe the article was from 2019 and I was taken aback by that statistic, as at first glance you would think that was impossible," she said.

"But indeed it is a reality that is not known by enough people. I felt that the Annapolis Valley Folk School could, in some way, help out with this."

But her home in Clarence was too far off the beaten track and not an ideal location.

LAWRENCETOWN LANE

"One of the Folk Schoolers was approached as they live on Lawrencetown Lane which has great access for many," MacInnis said. "Another member donated his time to build our building and a few weeks later it went up in their front yard."

And then the magic started.

"As soon as we had the building up, people were dropping off items at 43 Lawrencetown Lane or 1963 Clarence Rd., in order for there to be food available," she said.

"We are very fortunate to be a part of a very caring community that are willing to contribute in a big way to the pantry."

The Annapolis Valley Folk School Community Pantry and Free Little Library was up and running and anyone could access it.

It was immediately successful in fulfilling a community need. That was almost two years ago.

PANTRY HELPS SCHOOL

The pantry is located a few metres off the sidewalk centrally in the village, just south of the Annapolis River and directly across the street from Lawrencetown Consolidated School. So access is easy.

"We also assist at the school when needed," MacInnis said. “Last year, we supplied over 300 lunches throughout the school year and also augmented the provincial breakfast program as well."

She said the pantry has space for any food items and

there was even a small fridge donated.

"So now we have milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and margarine items as well," she said. "Canned items are great as well as dry goods, spices, and oils. Cereal and oatmeal are great items as well."

She said some people make homemade cookies and other items for the pantry and when the gardens are producing, the pantry also boasts in-season garden fare.

LENDING A HAND

MacInnis said life is always changing.

"We never know what's around the corner for any of us. I strongly feel that if we can lend a hand in any way that we should be doing that," she said. "The pantry is a way to enable people in need to get a helping hand – it is allowing us to give back to those in need, no questions asked. Just come and help yourself to what you need."

She said the community is always surprising her.

"This Christmas, suddenly items where showing up that were intended to be given to others as gifts, so we took out the books and set up a free little shop so if you wanted to have a gift to give it was available for you to take," MacInnis said. "People truly amaze me with their desire to help others and to provide a little bit of light."

HOW PEOPLE HELP

MacInnis said some people drop off items, some send e-transfers or stop by with cash.

And some of the Annapolis Valley Folk School instructors ask for donations to be made for the pantry, for the time and effort they have put into their session.

"It is a true blessing to see that since the doors have been open there have been items on the shelves for those who need them."

She said those who visit the pantry are from all demographics – children to elderly – with some becoming regulars as well.

"There has been a larger up take this winter with more people using it," MacInnis said.

"We are ever hopeful that it can keep providing for our community for many years to come."

ABOUT THE FOLK SCHOOL

The Annapolis Valley Folk School has been running for four years now, said MacInnis.

"It's a barter-based folk school and we offer learning sessions which cover many topics over," she said.

“More than 300 sessions

have already been taught.

“We also gather monthly for a Makers Swap where people bring items they made or grew, or a service they have to offer and we place them all on a table."

Then people take turns to pick items off the table.

"One never knows what will show up on that table," she said, adding the folk school also hosts concerts, hikes, and river paddles to include a bit of everything in order to gather people together."

For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ groups/554494215913717.