Food Pantry

This post is quite personal. Recently, my daughter achieved something remarkable. She and another Girl Scout completed their Silver Award Project (to learn more about that, click here). The project involved creating a pantry box called "Harvest of Hope." In just two weeks, it has significantly impacted our local community.

Our town has a large homeless population and many low-income residents, leading to a high demand for resources. The Harvest of Hope has been restocked four times in the past week by community members who were able to contribute. Our community has been very thankful.

If you ever come across a giving pantry, here are some things you can contribute.

• Shelf-stable foods

  • cans with pop tops

• Meal kits - ziplock bags with

  • boxed meal and canned protein

  • cake with a soda can (replaces oil and eggs!)

  • pasta with sauce

  • rice and a canned protein

• Hygiene items:

  • tooth brushes

  • tooth paste

  • sanitary napkins

  • wet wipes

  • hair brushes/combs

• Baby items

  • diapers

  • wipes

  • cream

  • bottles

• Weather Gear

  • socks

  • blankets (if big enough, or emergency blankets)

  • emergency poncho

  • sun screen

  • beanie hats

  • gloves

  • scarves

• Entertainment

  • books

  • coloringbooks

  • crayons

These are just a few ways you can donate to a food pantry or giving box. Most of these items you can get at your local dollar store! It's a low-impact way to make a huge difference for someone in your community.

Does your community have a giving pantry? What activities are scouts doing in your community?