Growing food insecurity prompts local non-profit to help
From Art For Rural America- The Fassett Greenspace,
One of Wellsville’s most popular “Little Free Library” locations has made an important change as fellow Americans face growing concerns about the already paultry food benefits provided by the SNAP program.
Located on the North Main Street and Fassett Street block, the Fassett Greenspace has hosted a Little Free Library since local philanthropist Heather Joyce made the donation in 2019. A Little Free Library acts as a community book sharing location. Dozens of locals visit the micro-library each week to “take a book, put a book.”
The non-profit group who oversees the Fassett Greenspace have decided to temporarily use the Little Free Library to hold non-perishable pantry food items. Art For Rural America President Kristin Buchholz announced that volunteers have filled the box and will be ready for the public on Wednesday November 5th. Buchholz says that small donations are encouraged:
“Our hearts go out to any person or family who is concerned about being able to put food on the table. We hope the community will take the opportunity to help when they can with small donations. Just stop by and add a few items to the little pantry anytime! For larger donations and perishables please contact the Joyce Family Food Pantry in Wellsville at 585-296-3757 or connect with the pantry on Facebook“
Anyone can stop, take what you need, replace what you can or just donate canned goods, pasta, and other shelf stable items. If the Little Mini Food Pantry is already full, please leave goods in weatherproof bin nearby. Volunteers will be checking the pantry multiple times daily to restock or place donations in storage.
Buchholz added that this temporary change will be followed by a more permanent addition that will house the Little Mini Food Pantry and return the Little Free Library back to operation.
“In the future we plan to have a more permanent source of food items along with fresh food from our gardens and from donations by other local growers!!”
Follow the Fassett Greenspace Project on Facebook for updates!
