Food pantry offering new hours and shopping experience

SHELLEY — The Heart 2 Hand food pantry is moving into the former Methodist church and adding evening hours.

For years, the North Bingham County Foodbank operated out of a small house next to the Shelley Community United Methodist Church on South Holmes Ave. But when Heart 2 Hand Bingham Food Pantry took over the food bank, they quickly realized they needed more space.

During the evening of Oct. 12, Heart 2 Hand volunteers gathered at the food pantry to begin moving all of the food out of the house and into the former Methodist Church.

“Why we are doing this is because we are setting up so people can come in and choose their own items. It’s more of a shopping experience. They get to come in and pick what they want and what they need for their families,” Heart 2 Hand director Jen Worlton said.

Previously, food distribution was done through curbside pickup. Those in need would drive up and grab a box of food for their family. That made it difficult to take into account food preferences and dietary restrictions. Starting Oct. 19, those in need will be able to visit the food pantry and choose the items that they want.

“It will make it a little easier for people to choose their own items instead of just getting a box,” Heart 2 Hand board member Shirley Thompson said. “And it’s a certain amount of dignity that it gives somebody to choose their own things instead of just taking whatever’s offered.”

Heart 2 Hand will also begin offering new hours. Every Tuesday, the food pantry will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then again from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Those needing assistance can show up at the food pantry during those hours and fill out a small form. The form asks for the person’s name, ages of household members and to check a box affirming that they live in the Firth/Shelley area.

“Depending on how many people are in their household determines how many items they’re able to choose,” Worlton said.

The food pantry has stocked a lot of food, however, they can always use more donations.

“We can take non-perishable items that are not expired, that’s really important. And also we do hygiene items like soap, deodorant, and then we also do baby items like diapers and wipes,” Worlton said.

The food pantry is also always in need of volunteers.

“We’re opening it up to the community every Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to come in and help stock shelves and clean and just do odds and ends jobs that are required for us to stay open,” Worlton said.

Anyone who wants to volunteer can contact Worlton through the food pantry phone number 208-881-5106 or email at h2hbingham@gmail.com

“If you’re wanting to serve we can find something for everybody,” Worlton said.