July 24, 2019
While the Plymouth Park Board denied the request to place “Caring Cupboards” in the city parks, during Monday evening’s Board of Public Works and Safety members approved placing the emergency food pantries in front of the Plymouth Police Department and Fire Department. Both the Police Chief and Fire Chief were supportive of the boxes but didn’t want to have issues with loitering or the boxes becoming a nuisance.
Rebecca Palmer has been working on a program to provide emergency food items to families when their regular food pantries are not open.
Thanks to a donation from the South Bend Tribune, Palmer received several newspaper distribution boxes that will be repainted and stocked with non-perishable food items as well as cleaning supplies and pet supplies.
Palmer said she would be checking the boxes on a regular basis making sure they are stocked and not being vandalized.
Citizens in the community can help by donating food items at the WTCA studio, Pilot News Paper, County Museum and P & N Pawn. Currently they are accepting canned meats, canned fruits, instant potatoes, ready-to-eat soups, heat and serve meal, mac and cheese along with cleaning supplies.
The mini food pantries should be in place if a few weeks.
The Board of Public Works and Safety asked her to report back to them in 60 days to give an update on the program.