Little Pantries are akin to Little Libraries but instead of books, they offer food. Think of it as a miniature food bank — and a quick answer to food insecurity in rural locales.

Friendship United Church in Demorestville is proud of its new mini food bank, thanks to two local teachers. Sarah Reid of Sophiasburgh and Eli Verkuyl of Picton spent the summer upgrading their secondary school teaching qualifications at Queen’s University.

Ms. Reid is a licensed auto mechanic who will teach auto shop this fall, while Mr. Verkuyl teaches carpentry. At Queen’s, they learned neighbours in the United States are combating food insecurity with a community-based approach.

The pair built three mini-pantries, one each for Eastminster and Westminster United Churches in Belleville, as well as at Friendship in Demorestville. Stocked with food items and toiletries, Little Pantries are available to anyone in need.

Demorestville’s has the nickname “Snack to the Future.” A cooler with ice packs sits beneath the fresh produce and reusable grocery bags. 

Church Board member Bob Parsons said the pantry is already getting great use.

“The congregation has really gotten behind it and we are already thinking about what we can put in the pantry box as the months get cooler,” he said. “It’s another way we can help the community out with what’s going on in regard to our society.”

The trade war with the U.S. will lead to price hikes at the grocery store, further exacerbating local food insecurity.

“Whether meeting a need for food, or a need to give, mini-pantries help feed neighbours — and nourish neighbourhoods,” says Mr. Parsons.