Franklin Park residents support Millvale food pantry
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A well-meaning Eagle Scout project in Millvale has turned into a lifeline for people affected by food insecurity and other basic means, no questions asked.
The Millvale Free Fridge and Pantry box is a community resource available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, and located behind the Millvale Community Library at 213 Grant Ave.
Kim Currykosky of Franklin Park, whose son Caden came up with the idea last year for his Eagle Scout project, said the food pantry is well-used.
“The pantry’s big. I have a Honda Pilot, and we fill the whole back seat (with food) that will fill the pantry, and that will go in three to four hours,” she said.
The program and its volunteers are housed under the Millvale Community Library umbrella with the current iteration run by a dedicated group of volunteers who coordinate with the MCL Staff and Board. One of the goals is to promote food security and prevent food waste in the region, said Melissa Mason, executive director of the library.
“When patrons and community members hear about the fridge, you can almost see the gears turning in their minds about how they can donate or share what they have,” Mason said. “We have a social work intern who is currently working on ways to interact with our donors, and also the folks who utilize the fridge and pantry, to see if we are meeting everyone’s needs and find out what more we could be doing.”
People don’t have to sign up or give their names or financial information to get food.
“When people’s basic needs are met, they can function in the world with a sense of security. Security raises up the community at large. This is what Millvale and the Free Fridge and Pantry are all about, neighbors helping neighbors,” said Danielle Spinola, owner of Abielle Voyante Tea Co ., which is located next door to the library, and a volunteer.
‘As long as it’s needed’
The food pantry box had already been at the site for years, as it was a project of a local Girl Scout troop. The box needed to be refurbished, which Caden and his fellow Scouts did as part of his Eagle project.
Now, Caden’s younger brother, Cole, a sophomore at North Allegheny Intermediate High School, has put his heart into it.
“The pantry isn’t temporary. It’s something that we’re committed to. We need to make sure it’s here for as long as it’s needed, and we’re going to keep showing up for the people of Millvale,” said Cole.
Items are usually single-serve containers and easy to carry. They also have various hygiene items, including diapers. Kim Currykosky said reusable bags are also a great donation.
Occasionally, she said, the volunteers get the opportunity to learn about the people who are visiting the food pantry:
“It’s very humbling. It can be pretty upsetting, too. We are always seeing different people. When we get to talking and tell these stories you start to get sense of how important this is.”
For example, there’s a teenager who comes after high school, while his mother holds down two jobs. He’s tasked to take care of his two siblings as his mom works to keep a roof over their heads, Currykosky said.
“She’s a classic example of not being homeless, working two jobs and can’t afford food,” she said.
Another food pantry patron is a man who in his 20s. He told the volunteers that the pantry is the only way he gets food.
Currykosk met another young girl who helped stock the pantry one day. She told Currykosky that her food stamps were stolen, and this was the only way to get food.
These people are just “down on their luck,” Currykosky said. “People still need to eat. Regardless of income, everything. We’re giving people that dignity. If you’re hungry that’s enough.”
Plenty of support
Volunteer Tammy Garcia, a resident of Millvale, often brings extra items from the Shop ’n Save in Millvale and a local Bruegger’s Bagels. A local Girl Scout troop recently had a party and donated five pizzas, seven dozen cookies and salad.
“I can hear people and see activity out there at almost any time of the day. Not only do our volunteers do a great job of interacting with local businesses and organizations to facilitate donations, but we’ve had a great partnership with 412 Food Rescue to bring in donations,” Mason said.
The team of volunteers hosted a one-year celebration of the project in October, with Mayor Brian Spoales, state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Lawrenceville, and others attending.
For those wanting to donate, search for the Millvale Free Fridge and Pantry Amazon wish list. Items will be shipped directly to the Millvale library. Items can also be dropped off at the library.
Millvale Free Fridge and Pantry accounts are also on Instagram or Facebook.
A holiday meal food drive is in progress. Items for Thanksgiving must be received by Nov. 23. Requests include chicken in a can, gravy in a jar, cranberry in a can, corn and yams in a can.
Items for a winter holiday meal food drive are needed by Dec. 21, including Spam or ham, applesauce, green beans and rice in a bag. Both holiday meals could use donations of boxed stuffing or mashed potatoes.
Monetary donations can be made at givebutter.com/MCLCommunityFoodResources.
Caden Currykosky, who’s in 12th grade at North Allegheny Senior High School, has stepped down from leading the effort, recently becoming an emergency medical technician, playing sports and more. He’s happy he was able to help bring meaning with his Eagle Scout project.
“Building the pantry was only the beginning. Keeping it stocked and making sure it’s always full is the ongoing work that is really important,” Caden said.
For more information, vist www.millvalelibrary.org or email Millvalefreefridgeandpantry@gmail.com.