Little Pantry in Verona

Jeff Green | Sep 27, 2023

Adam Rayner is a well known Real Estate Broker who lives in South Frontenac, and a father with three kids of his own and 4 step-children.

He also describes himself as a “relatively new Christian” and earlier this summer he was reflecting on his own family life and how fortunate he is, and was wondering how he could give back.

“I was doing some online research and I came upon littlefreepantry.org. “They describe themselves as 'a grassroots, crowd sourced solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbours, nourishing neighbourhoods'” he said, in an interview this week.

It struck a chord with him.

“I struggle with the thought of kids not having access to food. That's the main reason I wanted to start a project. Some people may be nervous to ask for help, or to reach out to services in our community, but having the ability to walk up to a bin and grab something quickly might be more up their alley,” he added.

He was talking to a printer he works with as part of his real estate businesses, and remembered that his printer used to put out a real estate flyer in little plastic containers with a cover and a door.

“I asked him what became of the containers and he said they were all gone, but then said there was one left in Smiths Falls. I picked it up, and then approached Chad and Nicole Van Camp of Verona Hardware, and Nicole's Gifts if they would help out, and the only question Chad had was about what the best place to locate the little pantry would be.”

They settled on a spot on the street side of Verona Hardware, and set up the pantry. Between Adam and the Van Camp's they have kept the pantry stocked with non-perishable food and other household necessities, toiletries, etc.

“Nicole is involved with the Children's Christmas campaign so she was confident the need was there, and she was right. We need to restock often.”

The idea behind the pantry is expressed on the sign, “Take What You Need and Leave What You Can”.

A second pantry is located in front of the Business Centre at 4938 Road 38 (on the east side) in Harrowsmith, and Adam is considering putting up a third little free pantry.

“I think that is as much as I can handle,” he said.