There is not a week that goes by without news about hunger and the growing need for food throughout our community. Covid 19 has impacted employment and families are struggling, with, many worried for the first time about feeding their loved ones.With encouragement from the Food Bank, a group of concerned citizens began a grass roots effort, forming a volunteer group on Facebook. They set about building micro-pantry structures, strategically placed around Springfield and nearby communities, and stocking them, along with groups and individuals who wants to add items. Communicating daily through Facebook, this group checks each pantry one or more times each day and puts the call out when items are needed.
Several of our Rotary members provided food for micro-pantries during United Ways Days of Service and conversations began about placing a Rotary micro-pantry at Ridgely School. With enthusiastic approval from Principal Ken Gilmore, a micro-pantry has now been installed at the front door of the school (first image). The body and shelves are painted a bright purple, and the door is gold (second image). Principal Gilmore is planning to decorate it with more decals, and Naomi and Bob Lynn have provided enough canned goods and other items to stock its shelves for a good start (third image). Rotary emblems and a plaque saying The Rotary Club of Springfield Supports Education & Eradicating Hunger decorates the inside of the door..
Please stop by Ridgely School regularly and help stock its shelves with food (e.g., canned goods, pasta, rice, bread, cereal), paper goods (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels), cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. You can pull right up to the front door walkway. Our pantry is on the left side of the front door alcove. The address is 2040 N 8th Street.