The end of January marks the one-year anniversary of the little two-shelf food pantry located in front of Kingsville District High School. Who would have thought that this tiny food nook could make such a difference in our community?

The pantry started as a collaboration between KDHS TechZone and the Kingsville Knights of Columbus #8233. The purpose was to provide emergency food and hygiene products 24 hours a day to those in need. The idea was to restock it once a week when the shelves got bare.

After a year we can report that thousands of pounds of food have been donated and distributed and the pantry is being restocked 5 to 7 times a week. We were not aware that the need was so large in our community.

K of C member Rene Everaert has been with the project from the start, sourcing food and stocking the pantry daily.

“The shelves are emptied every day right now,” said Rene, as he restocked the pantry with donated food. “Places like the Kingsville Food Bank really help us keep the pantry full. Many people have talked to me about how they appreciate the pantry being here to help them through these rough times.”

Thanks to all who have donated over the year, especially Kingsville District High School, Kingsville and Essex Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Rotary Club of Kingsville, Leamington Regional Food Hub, and the Kingsville Community Food Bank. We could not keep the pantry stocked without you.

If you wish to help support this pantry please contact the Kingsville K of C at council8233@gmail.com or call 519-817-6503.

If you wish to donate food directly into the pantry we can always use canned protein, soups, pastas and new individually sealed toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.

Further Reading:
TechZone and Knights of Columbus Set Up Food Pantry at KDHS