Veterans in need of nonperishable food items, including canned soups, tuna and vegetables, along with pasta, cereal and oatmeal, are invited to visit the newly opened Lincoln's Promise Food Pantry that recently opened at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.

The pantry's name is derived from the VA mission statement by President Abraham Lincoln, which reads, "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's veterans."

The pantry, which is a collaboration between the Coatesville VA and the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), is located in building 57 on the basement level at the VA, 1400 Black Horse Hill Road, Coatesville. It is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and on Thursdays from noon until 3 p.m. The pantry is also open by private appointment.

"(The pantry) was an office that was repurposed. It was vacated, and the timing worked out perfectly," said Meredith Kenny, the VA's assistant chief of nutrition and food services. "With the help of the Chester County Food Bank, we were able to (install) shelving."

Kenny reported that the number of visitors has grown since the pantry officially opened in March. "In June, we served 39 households," she said, noting that the pantry now has 42 registered participants.

When visiting the pantry for the first time, veterans are asked to register and provide basic information about the size of their households. No proof of income is required.

Veterans can visit the pantry whether they need it for one-time use or they need longer-term support. The amount of food allowed is based on the number of people living in the veteran's household.

Lincoln's Promise is primarily a choice pantry, meaning veterans can select the items they prefer to eat. In addition, toiletries like soap and shampoo are given to the veterans when available, as well as cleaning supplies and supplementary items like flower, sugar and cooking oil.

"We have bags we fill for them," explained Kenny. "They pick everything they get. We don't just hand them food they may not like and send them home."

In addition, there is an educational component of the pantry. "Everyone who works in the pantry is a registered dietitian. We teach them how to (enhance) their food like putting couscous in meat or adding fruit to oatmeal to make it more of an entree than (just breakfast)," Kenny said. "Another thing we (suggest) is adding chicken broth to rice, so it has flavor."

CCFB donated the initial food supplies needed to stock the shelves, but Kenny hopes the pantry can eventually collect enough donations on its own. Organizations and individuals looking to donate to the Lincoln's Promise Food Pantry may contact voluntary services at 610-384-7711, ext. 4228. Those who would like to schedule a private appointment to visit the pantry may call 610-383-7711, ext. 3728, to speak to a nutrition specialist.