My leafy suburban paradise is an upscale community. But that doesn't mean there aren't people living here who struggle. Divorce, addiction, job loss, accident, illness — there are many reasons why some slide down the greased pole of life.
Last year, I wrote about the Northbrook food pantry run by the Ark. The latest manifestation of the urge to help those in need recently popped up on First Street just a few steps north of Walters Avenue, in front of the Civic Building, a quaint 1928 structure purchased by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce last spring.
It's a clever idea, apparently based on those Little Libraries scattered about. A person lacking canned soup and other provisions can take what they need. Those kind-hearted souls who want to give back to the community can fill the shelves.
It's only a short distance from my house; I can practically see it from where I sit, typing this. Walking past, I've been casting glances at the pantry — it seems like it is being used. Products appear and then are replaced by other products. I haven't added to the supply myself, but surely, if the cornucopia seemed to be running low, I'd hurry home and see what we could spare.
The location does seem curious. Sort of off-the-beaten track. First Street is not quite a block long, from Walters to where it dead ends at the corner of my lot. Many confused drivers who miss the big "DEAD END" sign end up there. I can't imagine many needy people wander over to the Chamber for their first Friday of the month breakfast. It might be better situated near Village Hall, or the library. Not that I'm trying to relocate it away from me — I'm not one of those people, worried about my line of vision being disturbed by the needy snagging cans of free soup as I walk my dog.
Just the opposite. I want people to know it's there. Thus today's notice. I don't get the sense that many needy persons are reading this. But it's the only way I have to spread the word. If someone you know is going through hard times, and could use some gratis groceries, you know where to point them.
"The Legacy Pantry"...what a wonderful idea, and good on you, Neil, for publicizing it's location. An "off-the-beaten track" location limits the number of eyes viewing it and, therefore, could greatly minimize the embarrassment (not that they should be embarrassed) of those who are utilizing the contents. Also, those who are adding to the contents may not want to advertise their contributions, choosing to do it as anonymously as possible. And just think, you won't have far to go to add your contribution when you decide to donate merchandise to it!
ReplyDeleteYou never know who your readers are. This particular one used to regularly have to go to a community pantry to supplement their family's food budget while working two jobs, being a Scout leader, active in the PTA, all that rot. They may not need the help at this particular time, but undoubtedly some of your readers need help now.
ReplyDeleteTrue that.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea! If the location turns out to be challenging, check in with the local Township Food Pantry. They would know where an indoor or outdoor remote site would be most needed/used. Thanks to the donors!
ReplyDeleteElderly people often experience economic difficulties. Living on a fixed income even in a leafy suburban paradise can lead to the pay my gas bill or buy more groceries circumstance.
ReplyDeleteNeedy elderly people look just like you and me
Good point — I should have included them.
DeleteCheck out https://www.thelovefridge.com , too
ReplyDeleteHey Neil. You don’t really need to wait for the pantry to be empty before you drop off a can of soup. Stick a can in the pocket of your coat for the next time you pass by.
ReplyDeleteSomething similar, but just for produce
ReplyDeletehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/10/31/pineal-gardeners-trade-hunger-louisville/
I saw a TikTok recently about poverty in the US. It cited some stats that I've already forgotten, but the point was that relatively few people are in poverty for years or generations, but something like 40% experienced poverty for at least a few months within the past 10 years. Sh-t happens to pretty much everyone and it's great to see communities of all types supporting people in any way or even just as a symbol of non-hostility.
ReplyDeleteMy eyes popped out of my head and I let out a shout of recognition when I saw the Legacy Pantry this morning. Looks just like our unofficial Little Free Library, only not quite as tall and a different color. Our library, unlike all the others in our neighborhood, is a recycled cabinet like the one in your town, not a much smaller and standardized LFL on a post, like mailboxes are. Same double doors, same clear front, same knobs. But ours has books.
ReplyDeleteWe put it up in May. It rests on a 30-inch tree stump, all that's left of what once was a a huge maple tree in our front yard. All summer long, books were taken away, and others were left. It had pretty good circulation, or so it seemed.
Then a bad August storm blew the library right off the stump. It was heavily damaged and had to be rebuilt. Took us quite a while. We put the same books back into it. And now nobody touches them. It's like they're poison. The same books, sitting there week after week. Mysteries and thrillers and a few books for kids. And the occasional history book...WWII, mostly.
Suddenly, nobody cares. Might have to empty it out and start from scratch. I don't get it. Today I suggested to my wife that we replace the books with canned goods. Might boost the foot traffic. I guess I would find out once it starts snowing.
Thank you for writing about this. My son, a 7th grader in your town is the one who built this and is running it. We have been so lucky with donations and are pleased to see that it is being used daily. Thank you for bringing awareness to this and my son will be so happy to read this article.
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