Another response to the food insecurity that has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic are the micropantries that have sprung up throughout the Springfield area. While some of these free-standing, small pantries have been constructed by organized groups, others were constructed and continue to be maintained by the property owners, businesses or churches where they are located. Anybody who wants to can put food into the pantries, and anybody who wants to can take food from them. Most are accessible 24 hours a day, which is particularly helpful when food pantries and other resources are closed, and for those who lack transportation, the proliferation of micropantries around town means that some may be within walking distance for residents.
The micropantry near Fifth Street and Jackson Street, outside an office for the Illinois Department of Public Health and just across the street from the Executive Mansion, is one often used by individual people, as opposed to others that may more commonly cater to families, said Leslie Sgro. She makes a habit of filling pantries throughout the area and deposited various types of canned goods and produce in that pantry Dec. 13.
“We have pantries that are used by more families, and pantries that used by people who are living in hotels,” she said. “I also have families that I take care of, that I go see. I try to go every week, but this week I’ll be out of town for a few days.”
Mindful that some people may not have a can opener or a stove, Sgro said she tries to stock cans that don’t require tools to open and food that doesn’t need to be cooked to be eaten. Toiletries and crayons for children are also items she tries to add. But, she said, it isn’t just people who are living on the street who are struggling to afford or be able to acquire food.
“There’s a lot of food insecurity for people who are not homeless. I think that’s the thing that people don’t always realize: Just because you live in a house doesn’t mean you’re not hungry.”
A listing of Springfield-area micropantries is available on the Springfield Families Helping Families Facebook page. Popular items include pasta, rice, soup, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, canned meats, snacks and toiletries. – Kenneth Lowe
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