Community food boxes there for those in need

Karleia Koffman, Sheldon, was excited to not only play at Cornell’s city park on Main Street, but to also discover one of the new community food boxes, which has non-perishable items and books for all ages. Families who need some supplies, can help themselves to the food items, with varieties of pasta, soup mixes, instant mashed potatoes and gravies, and canned vegetables. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Every now and then, you may need a little extra help and with the rising cost of food, times can be very hard. Which is why there are community food boxes at two locations in Cornell.

Similar to little libraries, the white boxes sit on posts and have glass doors that latch, for easy access and to make them weather proof. Inside, are donated non-perishable food items and an array of appropriate books for all ages.

The project came about on an idea from the Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA) and took flight, with assistance from the Cornell High School tech ed class, who constructed the boxes from building supplies donated by an anonymous community member. The city shop employees then installed a box at the city park on Main Street, and one on the corner of Main and First Street, by The Main Scoop.

To begin, several CABA members filled the boxes with supplies and the Cornell Food Pantry will also pitch in to make sure there are available items at all times. The boxes function in a year-round, take-and-bring system.

“If you need something, please help yourself,” said CABA member Kathy Swanson. “If you’ve got extra, please share.”