Community Corner
Somerset County 4-H Club Builds Food Pantry In Bound Brook
A "Little Free Pantry" is open now at Mariposa Park.
Press release from Somerset County 4-H:
Nov. 1, 2020
As more families turn to food banks and donations during COVID-19 for meals and nutrition, the Somerset County 4-H and Middle Earth Student Ambassadors for Community Health (SACH) club stepped forward to provide a solution that would both aid the neighborhood they love, as well as provide a learning experience for its members.
Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Inspired by their previous community health projects in Bound Brook, SACH developed plans for a "Little Free Pantry" at Mariposa Park, a local green space they recently revitalized. Working together, members collaborated on an online presentation to the Bound Brook Town Council which ultimately approved their project for construction.
"It was really nice to have a physical project to work on, especially one that helps the community. I encourage everyone to go check it out, and while you're there, leave a donation," said SACH member Dale Brochinsky from Bridgewater.
Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Student Ambassadors began planning their "Little Free Pantry" virtually in July and worked individually or within family groups for socially distanced building, ultimately completing the project and installing the pantry in September.
Once ready for the public, SACH stocked the pantry full of supplies and were happy to notice it being used immediately. With a "take and leave what you can" approach, community members have already joined the efforts to help their neighbors by donating additional goods.
To make sure the pantry is fully stocked year-round with healthy and nutritious non-perishable food items, SACH fostered relationships with local organizations and volunteer groups to ensure its continued use and success.
As a sign of appreciation, Bound Brook mayor Robert Fazen met with members of SACH to congratulate their efforts as well as show his gratitude for the project and its goal of making the community healthier and happier.
"The members loved having the support of mayor Fazen. It showed that the work they do is truly noticed and appreciated among Bound Brook citizens and representatives," stated Somerset County 4-H SACH program coordinator Kristine Manganelli.
This press release was produced by Somerset County 4-H. The views expressed here are the author's own.
