Free street pantry helps out struggling families

Tuesday, 21 August 2018

Noah Anderson, 9, and Gems Long have set up a community pantry in Blenheim.

Homegrown fruit and veggies, fresh flowers, baked goods and household groceries … and all free for the taking.

A Marlborough mum has set up a community pantry in Blenheim in a bid to try and help those who have struggled to make ends meet.

Long was inspired by free food pantries which are popping up around south Auckland.

Gems Long was inspired to set-up the special stall after she watched a video online about a similar project in Auckland.

Kind-hearted members of the community have thrown their support behind the new initiative.

Community members drop off homegrown fruit and vegetables to Gems Long who organises the roadside pantry.

A free food pantry with fresh and nutritious food on Cooper Crescent, Otara, south Auckland.

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'It's about the community getting together and being able to help people that are in need.

'I've been a single mum and I've had the struggles before, but I feel like now I'm in a position where I can help people.

'Helping people and making sure people are okay is my passion.

'I wanted to do something like that here for the community in Blenheim,' she said.

Long said she hoped the community pantry would help take some of the stress off people living in motels, and struggling with housing.

The community pantry was set up on Kingwell Dr in Springlands.

It had been opened on four occasions so far.

Each time friends and neighbours contributed fresh fruit and vegetables said Long.

The pantry had been filled with home grown daffodils, household essentials like laundry powder and baby wipes, with aspirations for home baked goods and packed school lunches.

'Honestly the support from the community has been amazing,' Long said.

'I was quite scared that it was just going to be me doing it all, but the help with what the community has put on the table has just been awesome.

'So many donations and people bringing boxes full pretty much every day.

Long was setting up the pantry every few days.

'Just so that I can have a day to restock, to make sure the table is full.

'Until word gets around more, and I'm getting more stuff to put out there,' she said.

People were passing by collecting goods and bringing other items back to exchange, she said.

'I was quite worried about it getting taken advantage of, but it's not, and I'm actually really surprised.

The community pantry concept had sparked interest among others in Marlborough since Long started up last week.

Another free-food stand has started up on Litchfield St in Redwoodtown..

The guidelines for using the community pantry 'Just to be mindful of other people and no judgement

'Take what you need, not just what you want. Enjoy and I hope it helps,' Long said.

For further information visit facebook.com/gemzleighx