The Community Pantry at Discoveries has been open for a full year! We've served 1,890 families (definitely some repeats!) from 50 different Maryland zip codes. We've distributed 2,821 packs of diapers (about 67,700 diapers), 708 packs of menstrual products/incontinence supplies and so many other hygiene items. Toothbrushes and toothpaste have been a surprise top pick! Almost all the supplies distributed have come from community donations - the pantry team has worked with a variety of individuals, non-profit and business partners to gather supplies to fill the pantry shelves. Donations from the community are supplemented by a small Anne Arundel County American Rescue Plan Act grant we are fortunate to receive from the county. As the need in our communities and our distribution of supplies continues to grow, we continue to add additional partners so that we can sustain the Community Pantry into the future.
Aside from the weekly distribution, the pantry has grown in many beautiful directions to support the community. A member of every family that picks up pantry items is given a library card so that they can take advantage of everything the library offers beyond the pantry. This past year, we also provided a “take one/leave one” winter weather wear rack, regularly distributed discarded books, put COVID-19 tests in all pantry bags, offered masks to families as part of pantry pickup and more as support for the pantry families. In June, we created summer kindergarten readiness bags with books, art supplies, bilingual flashcards, math workbooks and more for pantry families, using a portion of our county ARPA grant. Discoveries’ monthly Second Saturday Service Projects also grew out of the pantry. We packed and delivered emergency menstrual supply bags to Lighthouse Shelter and Chrysalis House Women’s Recovery Center. We made winter homeless toiletry bags for the winter overnight shelter at the Stanton Center in Annapolis. In partnership with the Severn and Odenton libraries, we attended the KingdomKare Center Food distribution in February to hand out diapers. We were fortunate to attend the Community Baby Shower at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library this spring. We also have been able to supply some branches with menstrual products for their public bathrooms.
Anne Arundel County residents have basic needs that need to be met and the Community Pantry is only one way that Anne Arundel County Public Library supports our community. If you are interested in helping the library keep the Community Pantry stocked or need to pick up supplies for yourself, look for more information, including our Amazon and Target Wishlists at www.aacpl.net/pantry. Thank you for your support!