Delmont resident to bring 'mini' food pantry to borough parklet
Delmont resident Ed Washburn isn’t sure if there is a need in the borough for a free food pantry, but if there is, he wants to ensure it will be available.
Washburn secured borough council’s permission to place a miniature food pantry in the Rose Wigfield Parklet on Greensburg Street.
“I figure I’ll fill it up on Monday, then I can check on it later and if it’s empty, we’ll get it refilled,” Washburn said. “If it turns out to be a mess, it’s done. If no one uses it, it’ll be done.”
It’s a new venture for Washburn. “I don’t know if we have that need here in Delmont, but I know a lot of small towns have them,” he said.
Council granted approval to try the food pantry for a year.
“We can always renew the approval,” council President Andy Shissler said.
Washburn said Wednesday he is waiting on signage that will provide information about the pantry to passers-by before putting it in the parklet.
The Delmont Public Library, nearby on School Street, also will serve as a collection point for anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food for the pantry.
“We’ll keep it full of food and replenished, and it will be open to anyone who needs it,” Washburn said.
The Rose Wigfield Parklet is at 27 Greensburg St.
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
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