These days Kristin Percival has to refill her food pantry three times a day.
Not her personal food pantry, but the one run through Family 2 Family that sits in her front yard at 446 Argyle St. S.
The non-profit vice-president said the food pantry program started a couple years ago when her friend, Jennifer Ann Morrison, a single mother, started distributing hampers out of her car.
Family 2 Family, which achieved non-profit status in March this year, helps residents in need with food hampers, life restarts, which is helping women, who are leaving abusive relationships or people who are evicted.
"We help them move or help them get into a shelter," Percival said.
And the non-profit does it all through community support, she said.
"We hold events in the community and do various drives to collect items," said Percival. "We just did a week-long event to collect, toys, books, houseware and it was a huge success.
"My neighbours have been amazing with keeping me stocked up," she added. "We also get local donations through small businesses. If it wasn't for the community, we wouldn't be able to feed the community. Every time we hold a food drive, we end up with food all over our porch. The community members have been fantastic."
The food pantries have seen high demand, Percival said, so much so that now there are eight Family2 Family food pantries in Cambridge, Percival said.
"We issue about 20 food hampers a month, delivered by volunteers. We also provide 24-hour access to the pantries," she noted, adding, "The need is very high right now. I'm filling my pantry three times a day. I've noticed it more during COVID."
Initially, Percival said, they were storing the food in mini refrigerator units. But things had to change for the pantries to be in compliance with city bylaws.
"Community members have sponsored pantries for us at $150 per pantry and we were able to replace all of our pantries," she said.
Family 2 Family also works with the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, taking donations, such as clothes and furniture.
Dianne McLeod, the food bank's executive director, said donors have been very happy to support Family 2 Family by taking them items the food bank can't currently accept.
"I think neighbours supporting neighbours is a wonderful thing," she said. "People want to help each other and support each other and I think we can never have too much kindness in the world. Those little pantries are great for when people are really stuck and maybe need a day to get down to the food bank for a larger hamper. Our community is really abundant and they really want to care for each other. It's really lovely to see a grassroots group of people trying to help out someone else."
Besides the food hampers, Percival said, the pantries are open to anyone throughout the week.
"You can take whatever, no questions asked," she said, adding sometimes people do knock on her door to thank her for the efforts.
"I've had a PSW (personal support worker) come by and take hampers to take with her to the seniors she cares for," Percival said, talking about the people who have used the food pantry in front of her house. "There are families that are still struggling with the stigma of using the food bank so we've had a mom come by whose husband doesn't like her going to the food bank.
"The pantries have been helpful because it's very personal and discreet," she said.
Those who want to become a Family 2 Family food pantry steward or make a donation can call Percival at (226)218-4998 or email her at [email protected] or write to [email protected].
Other pantry locations are 138 Ballantyne Ave., 161 Avondale Rd., 137 Rouse Ave., 167 Scott Rd., 150 Concession St., 1027 Elgin St. N. and 355 Edwin St.
