St. Marys Public Library pantry sees rising demand, calls for community support
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Galen Simmons
As local demand continues to rise, the St. Marys Public Library is calling on the community to help keep its pantry program stocked and ready to support residents in need.
Acting library services coordinator Caroline Rabideau said the library has seen a noticeable increase in demand for both food items and grocery gift cards since the start of the year, while donations have begun to decline.
“We’re seeing a greater need, a greater demand for food items or just support in general for the library pantry,” Rabideau said. “The core support really comes from local community members, so we’re asking for more donations.”
The pantry program, which has been operating for the past two to three years, offers a flexible, discreet way for people to access food and basic necessities. Non-perishable items and snacks are available at the library, while gift cards are distributed regularly to help individuals and families purchase groceries.
Rabideau said the need can fluctuate week to week, but the overall trend has been an increase in usage.
“We’re going through a lot more food items than we have in the last few months,” she said, noting on some days, 20-35 people will come to the library specifically for support.
The program fills an important gap in the community by offering an alternative to local food banks and other support services for those who need them after hours and on weekends when the library is open.
“The library aims to be so accessible and so welcoming,” Rabideau said. “If someone is in need and can’t get in touch with other supports, they can just come in. It’s judgment-free. We’re happy to offer what we have.
“ … It’s really about being there when people need it. Sometimes people just need something quick to get through the day.”
Items that are particularly helpful include grab-and-go snacks like granola bars and juice boxes, as well as other non-perishable foods. Gift cards and monetary donations are also welcome, allowing the library to respond to changing needs.
“Sometimes people prefer food items, other times they need gift cards, so it really shifts,” Rabideau said. “We just try to respond to what people are asking for.”
The pantry also accepts donations of personal-care items, including adult incontinence products, which are often in demand. Rabideau emphasized the program relies entirely on community generosity to operate and thanked those who already contribute regularly.
“We couldn’t support people within the community without those who are so generous,” she said. “We’re very grateful for the people who continue to give.”
Though donations have been declining, that local generosity was on full display after the Independent interviewed Rabideau last week when a donor approached her with a box of items for the pantry.
“It’s just some stuff,” the donor said. “Usually we bring it to the food bank, but today we brought it here.”
Residents looking to support the program can drop off donations at the library during open hours.
The St. Marys Public Library pantry accepts fresh, frozen and non-perishable food donations, as well as gift cards in $15 amounts to businesses such as Foodland, Tim Hortons and McDonald’s, and monetary donations to help meet immediate needs. Donations of reusable shopping bags are also appreciated for packing weekly food distributions.
The library is open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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