“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

― Lilla Watson

Have you heard about the library’s new food pantry, Community Corner? We have had our heads down working hard on it for months, but now we are finally ready to come up for air to say, “All Are Welcome!” Community Corner is located at the New Albany Central Library at 180 W. Spring Street in New Albany. It is open by appointment during the following hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 7:30pm and Friday & Saturday 9am – 4:30pm. You can make an appointment on our website, call customer service at 812-949-3522 to make an appointment or send an email to foodpantry@nafclibrary.org. Check out the Community Corner page on our website under the Programs tab to find information about hours, making an appointment, or volunteering. 

 

Community Corner was started by the Library’s social work liaison, who reached out to Dare to Care. Dare to Care has been immensely helpful in bringing us on. They even helped us get a freezer from GE! They were excited to have their first Library partner, as well. Skipping ahead to 6 weeks later, they’re now looking at us as a model by which to grow more partnerships with Libraries, which will be great news for the next lucky community!

Since so many kind Floyd Countians have asked what we need, I thought I would take this opportunity to share a sincere request. Community Corner can always use donations of: 

  • pop-top canned goods (cans that don’t need a can opener)
  • peanut butter
  • bread
  • fully-cooked protein (canned chicken, fish, etc.)
  • non-food items like hygiene items and warm clothes

However, these items tend to be in short supply. So, if you would keep that in mind when planning your donation, it would definitely make a positive impact. Our donation drop-off box is at the front entrance. 

                     

The generous community of Floyd County is absolutely doing most of the work keeping us stocked up and that is something I try to celebrate at every opportunity. A community that feeds each other is growing stronger together every day. Hazelwood Middle School even did a food drive specifically for Community Corner! And we got a refrigerator from a lovely couple in Georgetown! 

We aim to nourish our community in every possible way, so we try to be mindful of nutritious choices when feeding the community. We receive farm-fresh vegetables twice a month from New Roots, Inc. and every Saturday from Let Us Learn, Inc.’s “Veggie Rescue.” Dare to Care also provides produce. We try to fit a full bag of different vegetables in each order at Community Corner, and we intend to create educational programming about nutritious cooking techniques. None of that would be possible without the donation of the 2nd refrigerator.
                   

Now that you’re properly introduced to the idea of Community Corner – here’s how it works: Our Dare to Care food, and the food donated from the community, are available for pick up once a week. The pantry is located on the lower level of the library near the back entrance on the corner of Scribner and Elm. When you arrive, you sign in on an iPad on a kiosk, (or we can help you with it) and then we package the bags for you while you wait on comfy leather chairs. We then choose a week’s worth of meals + snacks, etc. for the number of people you reported in the household.

There’s no income eligibility and there’s no need to verify the address on your ID or anything like that. Our Dare to Care food is open access for everyone.

 However, we also participate in the USDA program, which does require income eligibility and the income limit is set pretty high, so most people qualify. It’s a state program, so unfortunately we can’t use USDA food to serve patrons coming from Kentucky. The USDA also offers a seniors-only food program, and we can submit those applications to the state as frequently as needed. You can find the application here or visit the library to complete an application. This program ensures that senior citizens are guaranteed their share, which is delivered to the Library once a month for pick up. 

The best way that you can maximize your benefits at Community Corner is to do both programs. You can sign up for USDA and receive your portion once a month, but you can also add Dare to Care & donated food to your pick up, and you can continue to come back for Dare to Care & donated food once a week. People age 60 and above should also sign up for the seniors-only program as a guarantee for their own shares. 

If you would like any help finding food programs you qualify for or applying, please email foodpantry@nafclibrary.org. Our friendly staff will be so glad to help you.

Thanks for your precious time and keep your eyes on our event calendar! Our first Community Corner program is coming in early November. It will be fun for the whole family AND you can pick up free food for your holiday meals! 

Selena McCracken
Adult Services Librarian