Kingsville has a new food pantry in front of Kingsville District High School. It was created and set up by the joint efforts of the KDHS TechZone and Knights of Columbus Council #8233. KDHS provided the location and TechZone built the pantry. Kingsville’s Knights of Columbus have stocked the pantry and will keep it full. It is open to all who need some food supplies.
Paul Johnson is the Grand Knight of Kingsville Council #8233. He is also the Learning Support Teacher for KDHS. Matt Daudlin is the Construction and Specialist High Skills Major Teacher at KDHS.
Want to contribute? Email Gk8233@ontariokofc.ca
The Kingsville Times interviewed Paul Johnson about the new food pantry.
KT:
How did the Knights of Columbus and the KDHS TechZone find each other for this project?
PJ:
We have collaborated on other events. Namely a playhouse raffle last year. Being a member of both institutions eased the collaboration.
KT:
What role does the K of C and the KDHS TechZone play in the ongoing maintenance/stocking of the food pantry?
PJ:
The TechZone will maintain the pantry and improve upon it if needed in the future. The K of C has allocated funds from their charity endeavours to keep it stocked.
Matt Daudlin inside KDHS where KDHS TechZone constructed the pantry
KT:
Who did you approach for permission to place this on the school property?
PJ:
I received permission from KDHS to implement this on a trial basis.
KT:
Why was the high school property selected for the food pantry?
PJ:
The property was selected due to its proximity to sidewalks and parking lots. Also the pantry being at the school will make it easier for us to maintain the structure and keep it stocked.
KT:
How does this food pantry differ from the service offered by the food bank?
PJ:
The food bank and Saint Vincent de Paul Society do a fantastic job serving the community. This pantry is a way for people to quickly access food if there is an immediate need.
KT:
If members of our community want to assist by making donations, who can they contact?
PJ:
If members wish to donate to the pantry we would love the support. We will not turn down any food. Please email Gk8233@ontariokofc.ca
If it can’t fit in the pantry we will donate it to the food bank or Saint Vincent de Paul.
Paul Johnson stands beside the pantry in front of KDHS
KT:
Do you accept cash donations or food donations only?
PJ:
Money or grocery gift cards would also be wonderful. Anything donated will be used for the pantry. No one is receiving payment for this and everything has been donated thus far, including material for the pantry itself.
KT:
Is there a specific type of food item you are hoping to receive?
PJ:
The pantry contains pasta, granola bars, individual packs of oatmeal and juice boxes, etc. Anything that has a long shelf life and can be used as single servings. We would appreciate foods that won’t freeze and have some nutritional value to it if possible.
KT:
How long will the food pantry be in place to help our community members?
PJ:
The Pantry will stay in place as long as it is a benefit to the community, as long as it is respected by the folks who utilize it, and as long as the K of C has funds to stock it.
Photos provided by Knights of Columbus Council #8233