NEWBURG — A new one-of-a-kind food pantry could be open in Newburg by the first of November.
Nichole Larew, director of Newburg Grows Food Pantry, said it will be a delivery-only operation, delivering to people in Newburg, Tunnelton, Fellowsville and those in between.
“I feel like it’s a need overlooked. There’s several pantries for people with transportation. I want to reach those who don’t have transportation, are elderly, or home-bound,” she said.
Larew said the pantry is partnering with local churches to hold food drives to help stock the shelves. She said some church members are also going to help with deliveries.
“Along with food, we want donors to consider items like personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, dish-washing liquid and can openers,” Larew said.
She said a lot of people donate Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box, however it is rarely used because it needs milk and butter, which are hard to get. Larew said boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal — something else the pantry receives a lot of.
She said during the food drive each church will collect a specific item. One may collect beans while another accepts cleaning supplies.
Larew said some needed items include cooking oil, Rice-a-Roni, spices, salt and pepper, tea bags and coffee, sugar, flour, fresh produce, gardening seeds, fresh meat, tuna and crackers, Hamburger Helper, peanut butter, jelly, bread, butter and margarine, eggs and stuffing mix such as Stove Top. She said donations of cake mix and frosting make it possible to make children birthday cakes.
Larew said the building was donated to the food pantry and next spring there will be a community garden behind it that will provide fresh produce.
She is currently working to get the walls paneled and get shelving in place and ready for the food.
Larew said the pantry will be a community effort with the local Rotary Club, churches and volunteers all involved in making it a success.
Anyone wishing to volunteer or to make a donation can contact her at newburgrows@gmail.com.
