Little Free Pantry at Sharpsburg library to offer around-the-clock help with food

The Sharpsburg Community Library is no longer just a place where people can nourishment their minds.

People in need of food can now pick up a variety of nonperishable items from a new Little Free Pantry unveiled March 10 outside the entrance to the library on Main Street.

“We know that there are people in our community who are struggling financially because of the (coronavirus) pandemic,” said library Director Sara Mariacher. “So we wanted to create something that provides some help when it’s needed.”

While there are other ways for people to get food, such as food banks and pantries, they typically are not open at night.

“We view the Little Free Pantry as a complement to existing services by being accessible any time, day or night,” she said.

Having a 24-hour a day option to get food also provides a bit of anonymity for people who might be reluctant to go to a social service agency for help, she said.

People who want to donate food and toiletries to help keep the pantry stocked can drop items off inside the library during regular hours.

Library assistant Jamie Cozza will oversee the inventory and compile a wish list of items that are most frequently taken from the pantry.

Volunteers will help with checking expiration dates, restocking the pantry and organizing the stock of items on hand.

The bright yellow box will be stocked twice a week with canned soup, boxed meals, beverages and toiletries.

Jonathan Miller of Bellevue-based Miller Does It general contracting said he got involved in building the pantry for the library after learning about the project.

“My wife Sabreena and I helped build several blessing boxes and heard about plans for a food pantry in Sharpsburg,” he said. “I think it’s a great way to help people.”

The box has a plexiglass door so patrons can see what’s inside without the need to rummage. It also is equipped with a solar powered light so the contents can be viewed at night.

Sharpsburg council President Brittany Reno, who was on hand for the pantry’s unveiling, said the service is an exciting opportunity for people to help their neighbors.

“A lot of people here from all walks of life are suffering from food insecurity,” Reno said. “We’re a food desert here, so we want to make sure that we are providing as much support as possible for the families in our community.”