STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Just in time for the holiday season, the Unitarian Church of Staten Island has unveiled its Little Free Food Pantry, alongside its Little Free Library, located at 312 Fillmore St., in New Brighton.
“On Nov. 3, we dedicated the Little Food Pantry with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said Robin Locke Monda, of UCSI. “We ask that members of the community help stock the pantry. Please bring cans or boxes of food to put in the pantry, to support those who are in need.”
Christine Johnson, president of the UCSI Board of Trustees, remarked: “Our Little Free Food Pantry provides a simple way for our members to address hunger in the local community. We introduced the topic of hunger on Staten Island at our Sunday service on Nov. 17, which quantified the need.
“Previously, any non-perishable donations were collected at church, and brought to a nearby pantry every few weeks. Our Little Free Food Pantry promotes community engagement directly, similar to the Little Free Library book swaps. Everyone is invited to take a non-perishable boxed or canned food item, or contribute one. Everyone is invited to bring their offerings.”
Supporters gather for the grand opening of the Little Free Food Pantry at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, located at the corner of 312 Fillmore Street in New Brighton. (Courtesy Vivian Vassar)Courtesy Robin Locke Monda
According to Monda, the Little Free Food Pantries were created during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were avoiding public places, such as stores and food markets.
“The pantries were inspired by the Little Free Library model: Take an item, leave an item,” Monda said. “It evolved post-pandemic as a way to address hunger in the community and some folks converted their Little Free Libraries to a dual purpose: Books and non-perishable food items.”
The builder of the Little Food Pantry is Michael Blyth, who had experience in building Little Free Libraries. “Michael gladly took on the task,” added…
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