Meanwhile…
I have been loading our “Little Free Pantry” a couple of times a week. See my diary from April 11, 2017 for an overview. The speed with which what are pretty mediocre groceries, mostly generics from Aldi disappear continues to astonish me and demonstrates just how grim things are for some people here in NW Arkansas, usually assessed as the most prosperous part of the state. There are now three active LFP in a town of 65,000, with another one planned.
I drive within two blocks of the church almost daily in the course of driving around town, and it is nice to have a meaningful activity to participate in.
I will admit to a certain level of frustration with people who have problems shall we say with the “concept” of sharing. Which was the first thing I put on a hint sheet I prepared, everyone I have given a copy to says it is great, useful information.
It is frustrating to put out $10 worth of groceries I just bought at Aldi, come back literally ten minutes later (Old guy pit stop) with a couple of additional items, and someone has scarfed literally everything “good.” I have pictures. The frustration being those were likely the “Best” groceries available to be placed in the LFP for the rest of the weekend.
But, like the Pope said last spring, when someone asks, just give; Good for all of us to be reminded of that sometimes, and not turn into judgmental Republicans. But it would be nice to be sure the bounty (such as it is) was spread a little more widely.
The above is a picture I made of the contents last Friday afternoon (7/21/17); These are examples of groceries that may not be particularly appealing (I’m not sure who keeps supplying Pumpkin, is there some tasty secret recipe I am unaware of?), but everything pictured disappeared over the weekend. After the aforementioned “better” stuff.
You can’t make pumpkin pie without, well, all of the other ingredients.
Right now ordinary breakfast cereal, like “Honey Nut Crispy Oats” and “Fruit Rounds” from Aldi are most wanted. I have literally seen those picked up ten minutes after I load them, and am trying to encourage the parish to donate/self stock more.
Just wanted people to know about some of the issues this kind of project encounters.