Stepping into Minnie’s and seeing all the fun and love everywhere, you would never guess that you are at a food pantry. Minnie’s Food Pantry offers those in need meals and a lot more.
“If you in need, which I am today, go to Minnie’s. they’ll help you,” Dora Deston said after receiving her groceries from the pantry. There is no requirement to prove whether or not you need help. All you need to show is an ID and provide them with your address. Minnie’s will not only provide a meal but it will give you a complete set of groceries to take home.
Happy with the way the food is presented to her Deston describes that the food she received was “already pre-packaged,” and that “this nice young gentleman was ready to take it to her car.”
The founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry Cheryl Jackson was once unable to feed her own children. She states that she was discouraged when she asked the government for help.
“It was just a feeling. We were like a number, Cattle just being herded in and out,” Jackson said.
Such an experience made her wants a different one for those who are now where she stood. What pushes her to continue feeding those in need is the feeling of happiness that she gets from those who she helps. She says that when she sees “that mother and those people just crying and they’re hugging and saying thank you and I’m so glad you’re here,” the moment is priceless to her.
Jackson began by collecting food donations but rejected anything that was short of what she would give the person she loves the most. The level of quality she requires to help others is transmitted to everyone, even those who volunteer.
“The way people are treated here is amazing. Everyone is treated important,” says Stephany Hume who volunteers at Minnie’s every Saturday with her daughter. Hume is aware that anyone may need help at any point and makes it a statement to treat those she helps in that way. “Hey, we’ve all needed help and we’re all in this together,” Hume said.
It’s no surprise that many choose Minnie’s for more than just the food. Recipients of Minnie’s feel very welcome at the pantry and enjoy the experience. Deston explains that “they won’t make you feel bad for coming. They will just be more than willing to help you.”
