The pantries work like a community library where people can drop off or pick up items from one spot.
There is another way for people in need to get access to fresh, nutrious food.
The City of Kingston have installed three community pantries across the city. It is a pilot project in an effort to increase options for low-barrier food access.
In a news release, the community pantry works similar to a community library where people can drop off or pick up donated food from a designated space.
It operates on a ‘take what you need, leave what you can’ approach that they say reduces stigma and fills gaps left by traditional food programs.
The pantries are located at Bloom Skills Centre on Days Rd, Queen's University West Campus, and the Mess Studio on Clergy St.
The pantry accepts fresh vegetables and fruits plus non-perishable food items. It won't accept frozen food or food that requires refrigeration (IE: milk).
$5,000 in Food Systems Funding has been allocated to each pantry for initial materials and food purchases.
They say the goal is to supplement inventory through community donations and community garden surplus.
Story by Ken Hashizume
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