By Renée White –

East End has a new free food pantry that will provide nonperishable food items and other items for those in need. 

Food Pantry Installation
(Left to right) Michael Eubanks, William Allen, Sr., Nicole Hinebaugh, Bountiful Cities, Renée White, President-East End/Valley Street Assoc., Reverend Brent L. Edwards, pastor of St. James AME Church. Back row on the platform: J. Hackett, Eric Howell of Green Opportunities, Lydia George, Coordinator of Shiloh Peace Garden. Seated is Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. Jonathan Richardson, standing at far right, is a volunteer with Bountiful Cities. Photo courtesy of Laura McPherson

A collaborative project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, and The East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, the pantry will serve people in need in the community. It is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of St. James for many years; maintaining a church-based food pantry was one of her longtime dreams.

Bernadette Food Pantry
The pantry is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson.

The Pantry will offer free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items needed to assist with the safety and care of individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of Covid-19. Nonperishable food will provide nutrition for individuals who may be having a difficult time getting food. Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the three sponsoring organizations and the community at large; everyone is welcome to utilize the pantry for both food and PPE needs.

The food pantry was built by Max Mandler and his team, with artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

This pantry will be open seven days a week at the church. Donations can be made by contacting Renée White, President, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, at [email protected].