Massanutten Regional Library will open a Little Free Pantry outside its Central Library in Harrisonburg, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 16 from 10 to 11 a.m., the library announced Oct. 26. The pantry will offer free nonperishable food and toiletries, according to the announcement.
The pantry will be outside the front of the library and available to the public at all hours, the library said. Library Director Zach Elder said it is designed to provide free nonperishable food respectfully and without judgment.
MRL said Harrisonburg’s estimated food insecurity rate is 15.9%, or about one in seven residents, compared with a statewide estimate of 12.1%. The library said the pantry is intended both as a practical resource and as a way to encourage community support.
The Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Grant supported the project, and Venture Builders helped construct the pantry and donation box, MRL said. The library is accepting donations of items or money to sustain the pantry. Details about needed items and how to donate are available at mrlib.org/lfp, according to the announcement.
