Family-run food pantry aims to help those in need

ELKTON — At the end of a long driveway tucked up against Tonys Road is an unassuming set of grey shelves obviously constructed from pallets.

“It used to be a produce stand,” said Megan Esper.

Now it’s the Free Little Pantry, where hungry neighbors can stop by and find free food.

“My mommy was cleaning out the pantry,” said Saylor Esper, 5. She asked where all the food her mother chose not to keep would go. It wasn’t out of date. Megan said it just wasn’t needed.

Saylor asked if it could be used “to feed the people in my neighborhood.”

And the Free Little Pantry was born.

“Mommy made the sign with her Cricut,” Saylor said, proudly pointing to the large sign attached to the front of the pantry, which Megan printed with the well known crafting machine.

Saylor has received donations but also made an Amazon wish list with very specific needs.

“We have toothbrushes,” she said, noting that supply needed to be restocked Monday morning with the sealed packages, each holding a new toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste

Megan noted that ramen noodles and canned string beans also appear to be popular so those donations are welcome.

“...and macaroni and cheese,” Saylor shyly added.

With no real idea how many have come to the Free Little Pantry, the work has not gone unnoticed.

“We actually met someone,” Megan said. “We saw someone coming down our driveway and he thanked us.”

The man explained he had lost his home to fire and was living in less than optimal conditions for the time being.

Saylor makes sure the Free Little Pantry remains well-stocked.

“We check it every morning and every afternoon,” Saylor said of the sturdy pantry, with mom adding it somehow made it through the Sunday storms unscathed for the most part.

To see the Amazon wish list go to: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3BAUTBQ6WW1K6?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2J0ky2DV-JY0JxRCBjVVHiMT3IZ1Xno0lUMmCttr5VKGSJ2wmUdANV0vk_aem_18W0WvbhVPmWo2gOZBuzbA .

To learn more about the project, check out the Free Little Pantry Facebook page.