The Real Pantry Origin Story

People often ask about why and how the pantry started. The long answer involves growing up with the shame and stigma of food insecurity and wanting to do something to help others in the same situation.

But the short answer is one word: LOVE

Before there was ever a pantry, there was a little girl with a mother whose love was as big as the sky. The kind of mom who hand painted sweatshirts when we couldn’t afford designer brands, mixed food coloring for our snow sculptures, and made our favorite meals and treats for our birthdays.

In a neighborhood of seniors, my mother was a surrogate daughter to many. She made regular visits. She brought snacks and gifts. She sent us to do their yard work and, on a least one occasion, with plastic bags overflowing peaches from our trees when they were overburdened with fruit. She even provided transport to chemo and appointments. She did all of this in addition to working odd jobs, caring for my disabled father, and managing four kids.

When the neighborhood lost power and we were the only house with a gas stove, our home became a hub. Eggs were scrambled and delivered along with hot water. Neighbors were invited in. Everything was shared without hesitation or question.

Although we struggled to put food on our own table, we were often reminded to bring home anyone who was alone or didn’t have a meal to eat. Holidays were meant to be shared and everyone was welcome at our home. Food was a love language that spanned generations in our family.

The blueprint for loving neighbors and giving freely without condition came from my mother along with her grit, resilience, and ability to cultivate joy in uncertain times. If man is created in the image of the creator, then the pantry is created in the image of my mother and the tiny community she built with her loving hands when I was a child.

While the it’s wonderful that the pantry receives attention, it’s important to remember that everywhere in our community there are people like my mom who are quietly taking care of their neighbors. We see and meet them everyday. These people are the unsung heroes of our community. They are looking out for our neighbors, and in the process, making this a better place for all of us. Their love is the glue that holds us together.

Thank you SO MUCH to each and every caretaker in this community. We see you and we appreciate you. Your love and care is a gift to us all.