There’s a new food cupboard in Caledon East. “Take what you need, leave what you can” is the motto for the new initiative of St. James Anglican Church.
The parish is celebrating 175 years of faith this year. To mark the milestone in a meaningful and outward-facing way, The Little Food Cupboard (TLFC) was created. Modelled after the little library kiosks in many neighbourhoods, TLFC is a self-serve pantry designed to help those experiencing food scarcity.
Non-perishable food items are provided by members of the congregation. The community is also welcome to contribute food and toiletry items. Donations can be delivered to the church during office hours or left in the marked tote box at the eastern entrance to the office area. TLFC has been installed at the eastern entrance to the parking lot, accessible to the street and handicapped parking.
TLFC is beautifully decorated with monarch butterflies, a symbol of resilience. It was built by members of the parish, with an initial donation from the Naylor family in memory of their mother, Kay Naylor Peacock, a long-time supporter of outreach projects in the parish.
The Rev. Michelle Jones, priest-in-charge, sees TLFC as a sign of solidarity during difficult times. “Let’s all pitch in and care for one another,” she says. “Jesus said, ‘I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’” (Matthew 25:35)
We can play a vital role