The Martensville Free Pantry was set up as a source of food and hygiene items for local families in need. Prior to Covid-19, the Free Pantry was located within the Martensville Civic Centre and people had the opportunity to drop off donations, or pick up items needed anonymously.
For the past two years, Martensville resident Deseri Adrian has been picking up bread donations from the local Co-op grocery store, along with another volunteer, to help stock the shelves of the Free Pantry.
“The day the Civic Centre closed, I received a message from the other person saying that they guessed it was done for now. I said that with everything closing, people were going to need food more than ever and said to just drop the bread off at my house,” Adrian explained.
Within a week, Adrian had set up a boot rack on her step and began notifying the community about the move via social media. Since then, Adrian has purchased a cupboard that sits outside and each day, it is filled with donated items from Co-op such as bread, buns and other bakery items that are set to expire the following day. Food items can be picked up at 10-606 Main Street in the grey condos across from the Martensville Sports Centre.
“It is available any time of the day, without contacting me to let me know you are coming. Sometimes there is a lot, sometimes there is little.”
As she was already picking up bread donations, Co-op asked if she would be interested in taking the Hunger Bags that are available for purchase as well. From there, Adrian has been putting food hampers together.
Unlike the set-up at the Civic Centre where individuals were able to help themselves, Adrian now asks that people contact her either themselves, or for a friend and she will make up a box of a variety of items that are available.
Donations are accepted; however, please ensure that expiry dates are checked prior to donating as expired items cannot be given. Items that are in need currently are, school lunch snacks such as granola bars and apple sauces as well as canned meats, tomato soup, rice, boxed potatoes, boxed stuffing, canned vegetables, baby cereal, crackers, etc. These items are not often included in the Hunger Bags, so therefore, the Free Pantry relies solely on donations from the community.
To request a food hamper, or to schedule a donation, contact the Martensville Free Pantry by calling/texting 306-280-1255 or emailing martensvillefreepantry@gmail.com. Messages can be sent through the MFP Facebook page as well.
