Chatham-Kent is coming together to help neighbours in need by sharing food and supplies in a unique way.
The "Little Free Pantry" initiative was started a few years ago by Grade 5/6 students at Queen Elizabeth Public School but has grown ever since.
On Saturday, Free Help CK unveiled the region's eighth Little Free Pantry & Library at the Grace Christian Reformed Church located at 255 Tweedsmuir Avenue west.
"We started with one when [the COVID-19 pandemic started] on Oxley Drive," said Free Help CK Founder Geri Hughson. "We don't own them all, different places own them all, but we make sure on Tuesdays and Fridays we fill them."
According to Hughson, the municipality is on track to have nine little pantries, as soon as the newest is built and installed at Freedom Park in Chatham.
The Little Free Pantry project is aimed at tackling food insecurity in areas where there’s a lot of hidden need. While food banks are also a great help, Hughson said the point of the pantry is to help residents get through the day.
"The food bank is great," said Hughson. "I deal with all of the food banks in town and they will give you food for a few days. What happens if you're on the north side and can't get over there and just need something to get through dinner. You can go grab Kraft Dinner or bread, something to get through that day. The purpose is to get through a day until you can get to the outreaches."
Hughson said the project has received a lot of good feedback from the community, adding that people are using them.
"People are needing them and they are trying to thank you for it in different ways," said Hughson. "We try to put a little out in each of them."
The pantries are typically stocked with items such as cereal, peanut butter, bread, and other food items.
"We don't know who takes them, but we hope if you can afford, put in a can of soup but if you need, take something for the day," said Hughson.