People in need of free food now have a new place to pick up nonperishable food items - Living God Lutheran Church (LGLC) in Honey Brook, which opened a Little Free Pantry on Sept. 1.

Inside the box, people will find items like canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta sauce and pasta, rice and beans, cereals, protein bars, canned soups, boxed macaroni and cheese and shelf-stable milk. Also offered are non-food items such as socks, baby wipes and personal care products, including toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper.

Julie Funk, church council president and a board member of the Honey Brook Food Pantry, explained that the box will offer an additional way for people to obtain free food items when they don't have access to local food pantries.

"It is part of (the church's) effort to address the mounting issue of food insecurity in our local community," said Funk. "In my role at the pantry, I can share that we have had a 45% increase in clients over the past two years and a 10% increase just since January of 2024. I have myself had to help address multiple weekend food emergencies for clients so am well aware of this need."

The Little Free Pantry was built by Funk's grandson Elias Chase as part of his Eagle Scout service project. Elias, a 2024 graduate of Avon Grove High School and a member of Avondale Troop 191, is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania.

"He did community service at the Honey Brook Food Pantry, and that was the impetus and opened his eyes into food insecurity," said Funk, when explaining how the Scout chose his project. "Plus our pastor, Ron Dziuk, was an Eagle Scout, and he was a sponsor of the project."

Others who assisted in the construction of the large food sharing box were Elias' fellow troop members and their fathers, his parents and contractor Mark Hurm, who was Elias' mentor during the project. Sean Hessler, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 191, provided the Scouts with instruction about tool use and building techniques.

The pantry, which can be accessed from the church parking lot, is firmly cemented in the ground with a shingled roof and tempered glass to protect it from the elements. There are special door latches to keep the box securely closed.

"The pastor and church council decided on the location," Funk noted. "Originally, it was going to be closer to the road, but we thought it might be safer (in the parking lot) for people stopping." She added that a solar-powered light will illuminate the box in the evening.

After taking food items from the box, people may also enjoy the church's walking trail and bring their children to the church playground. "We are targeting anyone in need, (especially) those who are low income. The box will be open 24/7," said Funk. "There will be sign that welcomes people to take what they need and leave what they don't. They can use the picnic tables, walk the trail and relax. We are trying to be very welcoming about it."

Funk, a registered dietitian, said the Little Free Pantry will always be stocked with quality food donated by the church congregation. She noted that there will also be a place where visitors can write down their needs, such as sugar-free items or gluten-free products.

"We wanted to give people a place they can safety go and pick up a few things they need and not have their kids go without breakfast or not have enough food for dinner," Funk added. "That is so important to me and to all of us (at LGLC). I was happy Elias chose this project because he saw (the need himself) at the pantry. It was a good follow-through."

A formal dedication of the box will take place in October.

LGLC is located at 3200 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook. To learn more about the church and its activities, visit http://www.facebook.com/LGLCHoneyBrook or http://www.livinggodchurch.org. Those with questions may call the church office at 610-273-9383.