The Little Free Pantry in Langford is still going strong more than a year into the project.
The pantry at 2878 Leigh Rd. was started Sept. 2021 by three local families co-founder Becky Clark knew from attending the Saanich Baptist Church to help people struggling with the price of groceries.
Acting as a sort of test initially, Clark says demand has remained for the free, donated non-perishable goods. Now the original pantry has been rebuilt so it can better stand up to the weather. Clark plans to keep it going for as long as it’s needed.
She says they don’t monitor the pantry – anybody is free to come by and take whatever they need. The sign on the outside reads: “If you need something take it, if you have something leave it.”
She wants people to have privacy when using the pantry, though some do strike up conversations when using it which has helped build a sense of community, says Clark.
Anyone is also free to donate – Clark checks on the content usually once a week and will put out a call on social media for donations when it’s running low.
Overall, the project has received a warm response from residents so far.
The pandemic and inflation has seen demand for food banks balloon, with food bank usage rising to its highest levels ever in 2022, according to Food Banks Canada.
The group’s 2022 report found there were $1.46 million visits to a food bank in March 2022 – a 15 per cent jump compared with 2021 and a 35 per cent jump since 2019.
The report also found a third of food bank users are children. Clark teaches at a school in Colwood and will often see kids stop by on their walk to or from the neighbourhood schools to grab a snack.
The project is not intended to be a replacement for the Goldstream Food Bank in town. Clark just says it’s still important to contribute in some way.
“My small part makes a difference to someone, even if I can’t provide food for everybody. I’m doing my part,” she said. “It is a constant struggle. I mean, you look at the food banks and stuff – they also depend on the public donating.”
Clark likened the project to a story she taught to some of her students during a class.
“It’s about this little hummingbird and his forest is on fire. This little hummingbird starts bringing a drop of water to the fire and the forest animals are like, ‘Why are you doing that?’ And she’s like, ‘Well, I’m doing what I can.’ I think that’s a great philosophy to live by.”
READ MORE: Little Free Pantry in Langford provides discrete support for people in need
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