Micro Food Pantry Launch

Healthy Chelsea / Chelsea Hunger Network Launch Micro Pantry at Temple Emmanuel

Healthy Chelsea, the Chelsea Hunger Network, and the Chelsea Dept. of Public Works have launched Chelsea’s first Micro Pantry at Temple Emmanuel in Cary Square. Pictured at the bread-breaking ceremony in the Temple Emmanuel Courtyard Saturday are, from left, Healthy Chelsea Food Corps member Lindsay Lesniak, Chelsea Hunger Network Board Member Lisa Santagate, Hinda Sterling, Temple Emmanuel Community Engagement Coordinator Herb Selesnick, Rabbi Oksana Chapman, Healthy Chelsea and Chelsea Hunger Network Community Coordinator Ron Fishman, and Temple Emmanuel President Sara Lee Callahan.

The City of Chelsea has selected Temple Emmanuel as the first host site for its new micro pantry program. As the host, we are responsible for keeping both micro pantries in our courtyard stocked. So our program promotional theme encourages neighborhood residents to take what they need from the micro pantries and leave what they can in the micro pantries. The only acceptable donations are non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.

Eventually, the residents will assume full responsibility for stocking both micro pantries. But, for the first few weeks, until word of the new food source has permeated the Cary Square neighborhood, Temple Emmanuel will be responsible for ensuring that both micro pantries remain stocked. Therefore, we are seeking volunteers to assist in this start-up phase until January 31.

Looking to volunteer? See volunteer responsibilities and available days HERE.