Food pantries installed at American Legion and Cooper Parks are addressing hunger in communities needing it most.
Lincoln, NE — Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County (BGC) is excited to announce the installation of their new Little Free Pantries. BGC’s Little Free Pantries offer a new way for neighbors in Lincoln to give what they can and take what they need.
BGC’s inaugural food pantry is located on the south side of American Legion Park near the intersection of 26th and Randolph. Another pantry is installed at Cooper Park by the corner of 7th and D streets. Anyone is welcomed to take items from the pantry and those who are able are encouraged to pick up a few extra items to add to the shelves when they go grocery shopping. Suggested items for donation include unused and unexpired peanut butter, grains or beans, pasta, cereal, soup mixes, powdered milk, granola bars, tissues, hygiene items, and sanitizing wipes.
“Boys & Girls Club has always provided hot meals for our Club members, but with the increased number of families out of work and students attending school virtually we wanted to ensure we were helping address the growing population affected by food insecurity. During the summer months we were distributing approximately 2,000 each week to families—many asking for help for the first time ever. It is critical that during times such as these that we help support our neighbors who need us most,” says Kimberly Goins, executive director of BGC Lincoln.
The mini pantry movement is a grassroots movement led by neighbors who want to help neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Each pantry is a designated, easily accessible space for donation of food, hygiene and paper products. A list of local free pantries can be found on the Little Free Pantries LNK NE Facebook page. They seek to address food insecurity and food deserts, which is a growing problem due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Right now, BGC is looking for corporate sponsors that will “adopt a pantry” and help with its upkeep, making sure it stays stocked and in good condition through the coming months. For more information about BGC’s pantries and how to sponsor one, you can contact Marketing & Resource Development Director Claire Shinn at CShinn@lincolnbgc.org.
About Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County
The mission of Boys & Girls Club is to empower all youth to reach their full potential. The Boys & Girls Club Movement has focused efforts on helping kids achieve in three priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Boys & Girls Clubs work to ensure that all young people have a positive, impactful Club experience and achieve the important outcomes that lead them to great futures.
Comments