A PANTRY for all.

In Raglan, we have a (free) public pantry that sits under the shade of a massive pohutukawa tree. Locals and visitors give and take away from it. It is a respected and shared space that works to help people.

A kind and practical local resident regularly keeps donated items tidy, ordered and restocked. She is such a giver to our community, as are some local businesses that drop off canned and fresh food, vegetables and bread. Walking past this morning I noticed fresh corn, new potatoes and cucumbers. Yummers! Food items don’t stay for very long and are often gone within the hour. Other donated items include books, surplus kitchen stuff, toys, shoes, blankets… anything and everything for everyone. At times we have seen items and produce being carried to the pantry snaffled up before they even reach the shelves. 
Another bonus is seeing and often being a part of friendly conversations near the adjacent footpath. A local builder generously made and donated an additional structure to the original pantry. The pantry is a discreet, but important aspect of how kindness ‘operates’ in our community. Thanks Raglan!

POINTS to PONDER
Sharing is caring and it’s so easy to do. Have you donated to a pantry near you?
A community pantry is a form of recycling and that has to be good for us all. With high grocery bills, it is also an effective way of sharing our garden harvests. 
The simplicity of purpose of a pantry is why it works so well.