The Perseverance Pantry
Women fleeing a life of violence and abuse often have little to no funds and feeding themselves and their children can be difficult. LCIHCS believes having access to healthy and affordable food is a basic human right; the goal of the pantry is to give women a hand up by providing them with food and hygiene essentials that are of value to them and their family.
What is the Perseverance Pantry?
Introduced in February 2022 to tackle food insecurity and the cost of living, The Perseverance Pantry provides women and children with food and hygiene items as they recover from the pandemic and navigate the rising costs living. The name was chosen to give hope to and encourage those that need help to persevere through challenging times in their lives – whether due to violence, injustice, food insecurity, etc. The pantry can be accessed twice a month by any woman or child registered in a LCIHCS program.
“I really appreciate everything, I’m not one to ask or accept help from people but have bin in need unfortunately with the inflation and gas increase.”
Program Successes
Since the inception of the Perseverance Pantry on February 23, 2022 there are 66 women and 92 children from Lanark Country that are registered in the program. The Pantry program has served these women over 200 times in the last eight months. Single women represent 35% of the population. Women with children represent 65% of the population. Majority of clients live in the Carleton Place area (47%). The ages of the client population is not fully known as a significant number of birth years have not been recorded.
“The Pantry is NOT just a foodbank for women and families but a much needed community support. They are there for women to reassure us, to stand together and to let you know we’re not alone!
Community Partners
- Mitchell’s Independent Grocer in Carleton Place
- Starbucks Carleton Place
- Perth and District Community Foundation
- Bi-weekly egg donation from a local farmer
- Contributions from local community members including Desjardins agent Jeff Julian
“I am extremely thankful for the Pantry. It really helps me as groceries are so expensive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Supporting Our Pantry
To make a donation by reaching out to Cathie at cathie.mcormond@lcih.com or 613-257-3469 ext. 64.
Highly requested and most needed items include:
- Various types of meat
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Spaghetti sauce
- Cereal bars
- Fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables
- Dairy and eggs
- Cupboard essentials like canned goods and school snacks
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash, baby wipes and toilet paper.
“The staff always do their very best to accommodate my ability to get to them and they have also delivered to my home which has literally saved my butt a few times with gas prices being as crazy as they have been and car troubles to boot!”
Garden Fresh
In order to be more sustainable, some of the produce we provide to our Pantry clients is home grown! Thanks to raised beds and a growing tower, fresh veggies can be grown year round and are tended to by a dedicated staff member and residents at our Second Stage housing unit!
“I would just like to thank all the workers and staff that have put the program together as they have been life savers, with no judgement and are always positive and supportive. They have connected me with community help as well. They are NOT just a foodbank for woman and families but a much needed community support. They are there for woman to reassure us, to stand together, and to let you know you’re not alone and doing the best you can! That’s something if you’re a single mother like myself with No family or financial back up. I hope each staff member realizes how much they are appreciated and valued because without them I’m not sure where I would be or what I would have done on more than one occasion. Thank you!”