Caudill
The holiday season is in full swing, and while that means a time for togetherness, it can also create many challenges for Johnson County residents.
Prices are climbing and groceries have been hit hard. Higher heating costs add to the bind. Add additional holiday expenses and there is a considerable strain on an already tight family budget.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue.
Many in our community may be experiencing food insecurity or homelessness. Local nonprofit organizations do their best to support unhoused and food-insecure people and families within Johnson County.
JCPL is also trying to help; besides offering free services with your library card, like books, DVDs, Library of Things items and free computer use, we also help connect people with resources for free food and assistance in household matters. JCPL collaborates with many great local non-profit organizations to help residents find the necessary support and resources.
You can find more information on the Library website at PageAfterPage.org/basic-needs-assistance.
But that’s not all! We have two little free pantries located at our library branches. The Trafalgar branch offers a Little Free Food Pantry in the library’s parking lot entrance, next to the Little Free Library. The Johnson County Blessing Box organization sponsors this pantry. They have multiple locations in Johnson County. Find the sites here: FeedJoCo.org.
During the summer months, the Trafalgar branch also offers a free produce stand with fresh local produce provided by the community garden at Mt. Auburn Church Trafalgar Campus and patrons of the library.
Our Franklin branch also has a Little Free Pantry at the entrance to the library. You will find non-perishable items like diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, soap, and food items like cereal, rice and canned goods. Items are free for anyone in need.
The pantry is stocked with donated items from our community. Donations from individuals, families and organizations are welcomed and fill the pantry. We ask that people take what they need and donate what they will. If you want to contribute, drop off your non-perishable items (must be individually wrapped or unopened containers, labeled, and store-bought) at the Franklin branch’s Welcome Desk.
You or your organization can sign up to adopt the pantry for a week or learn more about donating at PageAfterPage.org/little-free-pantry. JCPL thanks all our community partners, families and individuals for your generosity and help in this endeavor.
Nicole Caudill is a library assistant at JCPL’s Clark Pleasant Branch. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
