The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library’s Little Free Pantry needs donations.
A passion project for the library, the pantry is a donation-driven resource that allows people to come to the library to pick up food items that they need.
Recently, on Friday, March 1, the library made a call for donations via its Facebook page.
The Little Free Panty is a community resource that is always in high demand at the library, head programmer Corrie Brown said.
“The Little Free Pantry is something that is constantly in use.”
The library always accepts food donations anytime during its open hours.
“We take non-perishable items and we also have a refrigerator with a freezer so we can take frozen goods and perishable items as well. We just ask that food donations are not to be expired and they should be sealed,” Brown said.
Some of the highest-demand items that the library is constantly in need of include canned fruit, chicken, ham, tuna, milk and eggs.
Microwaveable meals are also in high demand, Brown added.
“We have a sizeable population that are not able to cook in an oven but still need sustenance, so microwaveable meals are a big need in our library as well,” Brown said.
While periods of needing to restock the shelves used to fluctuate more that has no longer been the case in the past year.
“We used to be busy around holidays but in the last year or so there has been a constant heavy use of the pantry. Many people are feeling the effects of inflation and the higher prices at the grocery store,” Brown said.
Monetary donations for the Little Free Pantry can also be made in a variety of ways.
“People can donate in person with cash, cheque, credit or debate. We also can accept online donations if people can’t make it down to the library in person to donate,” Brown said.
“As well, any donation over $20 will qualify for a charitable receipt that the individual will get immediately upon donating.”
Cash donations help library staff to be able to fill the gaps in what is not necessarily always donated or isn’t able to be kept in stock.
“Perishable items like eggs, milk, and cheese are examples,” Brown said.
The generosity of the community means so much, she added.
“A little bit goes a long way, $5 here of $10 there truly helps.”
The library is also currently looking for regular sponsorship of the pantry.
“The Little Free Panty is definitely a resource that is worthwhile to consider sponsoring because it is something that makes a big impact in the community,” Brown said.
More information about the Little Free Pantry and how to donate is available on the website, prl.ab.ca/SylvanLake/Library-Services/Community/Little-Free-Pantry.