In 2020, a SJPJC volunteer built and installed the Peace Pantry in front of the Center at 48 S. 7th Street. Since then, we’ve seen the Pantry stocked by donations given at food drives, community members who brought what they could, and through contributions to our online fundraiser. People have stocked the Pantry with non-perishable foods, hearty vegetables, menstrual products, toiletries, and more. Community members from all walks of life have taken items from the Pantry to meet their needs.
The Peace Pantry was always a part of our organization’s growing mutual aid efforts. We recently developed the Peace Pantry Program starting with a core group of people close to the Center, and we are looking to invite others in to help expand this program! Here is the mission of the Peace Pantry Program:
“The Peace Pantry program tackles the pervasive issue of food insecurity and its link to extractive capitalist structures in order ensure universal access to healthy food through collective community care, education, and advocacy.”
Over the past few months two community groups, Stories For Solidarity and Smiling Roots, planned and began installation of a Community Garden around the perimeter of the SJPJC parking lot and in the front of the house. The Community Garden is related to the Peace Pantry Program in that it is addressing food insecurity in our community. It is also a form of horticultural therapy, encouraging people to come together, get in touch with the Earth, and create life with flowers, succulents, and food plants. The Community Garden Project is still in its early stages of planning and building, and we need volunteers to assist us with creating and sustaining a community space for all to enjoy.
If you’re interested in getting involved with the Peace Pantry Program, the Community Garden Project, or both please CLICK HERE to fill out our interest form!
SAVE THE DATE: We are holding an informational meeting on Zoom at 6PM on Thursday, June 10th so we can answer any questions you may have! Here is the information to join:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87220147276?pwd=ejNrdzB3Q3l3OHRaZDlmL1lpL0JxZz09
Meeting ID: 872 2014 7276
Passcode: 546929