Join Us Dec. 6 for the First Coastal Pantry Project at Garibaldi Grade School: Share, Take, and Discover Healthy Food Tips!

Exciting news for the community! The Coastal Pantry Project is kicking off an innovative event aimed at helping locals access the food they need. This initiative recognizes that not everyone qualifies for SNAP benefits, leaving many people struggling with food insecurity. Many who do receive SNAP still find it hard to feed their families.

Lauren Mehnert, a dedicated resident of Bay City, is behind this food swap and educational event. It’s designed to help people bring food they can’t use and take home items they can. Participants can also learn how to make the best of their pantry finds. The event is happening on December 6th from 11 AM to 2 PM at Garibaldi Grade School gym. If it goes well, there may be more events in December and January!

“I want to help people eat delicious and nutrient-rich food while teaching them how to use what they have effectively,” says Lauren. Studies show that about 50-60% of food donated to food banks isn’t usable. A huge part of this waste happens because people don’t know how to prepare the items they receive. It’s crucial to not only donate but also share knowledge.

So, what should you bring? If you have preserved goods, extra jars, or frozen produce from your summer harvest, bring them! The project also welcomes proteins like frozen fish or meat, grains, dairy products, nuts, and vegetables, both fresh and canned. Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag!

Also, if you’re connected with farms or fisheries that can donate proteins or other goods, please reach out to Lauren. These larger donations can be organized ahead of time and shared at the event.

Restaurants or food carts wanting to contribute by providing small dishes are also encouraged to join. This gives the community a chance to enjoy local cuisine while connecting with one another.

Can’t donate food? You can still help with monetary contributions. Donations will be used for essentials like bags and educational materials. Any leftover funds will be dedicated to supporting local lunch programs in schools, addressing past due lunch balances and weekend food bag needs.

Lauren’s passion stems from her own experiences with food insecurity. She noticed a significant gap, particularly when it comes to fresh and protein-rich foods. “Many people, including those with diabetes or allergies, are overlooked. We all deserve healthy meals, not just during holidays but every day,” she emphasizes.

Thanks to Janmarie Nugent for hosting this event at the school! A big shout out to the community supporters like Dave’s Killer Bread, Butler Foods, Josi Farms, Brickyard Farms, Smith Brothers, and Real Good Foods for their generosity.

The Coastal Pantry Project is all about bringing people together to share resources and knowledge. It’s a step forward in making sure everyone in our community has access to good food, especially during the tough winter months ahead.

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