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Sayville’s “Little Free Pantry” girls have found a home — and generous funding — for their project that looks to address food insecurity in the community.
The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce has arranged for the five Sayville High School freshmen to set up their first pantry behind the Chamber House in the Stop & Shop plaza at the east end of Main Street.
“The Sayville Chamber is excited to host this project for these high school students who have an idea and want to take it to fruition,” Chamber President Eileen Tyznar said. “During such hard time, a project like this can make a world of difference for someone who might be hungry.”
Molly Brady, Courntney Thornton, Fallon Santoro, Loghan McNamara and Ellie Sheehan set up a GoFundMe page last month for their initiative and have raised $3,850. That will pay for at least two pantries, as well as food and possibly a Freedge, which is a community refrigerator that members can donate to or take from.
Once it’s set up, here’s how the girls’ first pantry will work:
They’re a lot like free community libraries — people can leave or take dry, non-perishable goods like bread, peanut butter, snacks, canned or boxed goods.
Non-perishable milk, water and juice boxes are other items that can be placed inside. There’s no lock or key. And it’s basically a 24-hour, seven-day operation.
The compassionate idea is the product of the girls’ time away from school sports and regular on-ground classes.
“We are proud of them for their initiative to help those less fortunate, and we’ll support them through and through on this endeavor,” Tyznar said. “Providing opportunities to bring their efforts to fruition is the key to keeping our youth involved.”
Tyznar noted that the location is ideal, considering its proximity to a large supermarket.
“It’s so refreshing to see the humanitarian efforts being demonstrated by the youth in our community,” she said.
