Food insecurity is a real problem in communities large and small. Some families live everyday below the poverty line and struggle to keep food on the table. Others find themselves in a temporary bind from an unexpected bill or emergency and they fall short of stretching their dollars till payday. Whatever the reason knowing there is a place that they can go to find a meal, some diapers, soap, detergent or any other thing that they just can’t buy at the moment gives them some peace and security.
Katie Jackson, a longtime resident of Zavalla, felt a need to make a difference. She has started the Pineywoods and Beyond Foundation and her first grass roots initiative has been an immediate success. In a few short days she has secured the donation of a cabinet from another Zavalla resident Elizabeth Boulware. Elizabeth donated the cabinet that once belonged to her recently deceased father Cecil Ferguson. Cecil served the Lufkin Area & Angelina County as an educator and coach at Angelina College before his retirement and was known as an accomplished horticulturist. Elizabeth knows that her father would be so pleased that his cabinet is going to be used to help so many.
Katie reached out to longtime residents the Guzmans. Carlos (former Zavalla Mayor) and his wife Carolyn have had a heart of service to this community for many years and own the Blueberry Bog store at the corner of 1st and Main. The gazebo outside the business has been home to a Free Little Library for a few years now and they agreed this would be a great place to put the Free Little Pantry as well.
The pantry has been cleaned and repaired and now sits proudly in the gazebo. In less than 48 hours it went from empty shelves to capacity. The outpouring of love and support from the community has been nothing short of amazing. Keep it up Zavalla.
If you want to donate items here is a guide to things that you can give and some guidelines of what they cannot accept. Make sure to follow Katie and her foundation on Facebook. This and other organizations in the community are truly working to make a difference in people’s lives.
General Donation List
Food
- Snack foods/crackers (cookies, granola bars, graham crackers, goldfish, pretzels, Jell-O/pudding cups, fruit cups, applesauce, cracker sleeves, etc.)
- Raisins, nuts, trail mix • Dried fruits • Peanut butter, jelly • Oats, oatmeal, cereal
- Sauces, dressing, syrup • Canned soup • Grains (rice, quinoa, couscous) • Canned fruit, vegetables
- Pasta, pasta sauce • Instant potatoes • Ramen noodles • Mac & cheese
- Broths (vegetable, chicken stock) • Olive oil, canola oil • Canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef, sausages, Spam, ham)
- Add water mixes (muffins, pancakes, cornbread, biscuits, Jell-O) • Baking needs (sugar, flour, baking powder, vinegar, spices, condensed milk)
- Drinks (juice boxes/pouches, drink packets for water, coffee grounds)
Personal Care/Toiletries - Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex) • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash • Band aids
- Hand soap, dish soap • Toothbrush, toothpaste • Moisturizer • Pads/tampons
- Deodorant • Chapstick
Other - Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, baby food/snacks – all stages) • Pet food/treats • Reusable water bottles
- Coloring books, crayons/colored pencils
- Umbrella
Suggested Seasonal Additions
Spring/Summer
• Popsicles (freeze-later kind) • Seeds to plant • Chalk, bubbles, jump ropes • Sunscreen
Fall- Instant potatoes
- Pie crust and filling
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Chalk, bubbles, jump ropes
- School supplies
Winter - Bread
- Tortillas
- Beef jerky
- Hot chocolate mix
- Cookie mix
- Handwarmers
- New with tags winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, warm socks
Important Reminders for Donating - Everyone is encouraged to take what you need and give when you can at the Zavalla Little Free Pantry.
- The items listed in this document are suggestions for donations. Additional items may be donated.
- Consider separating individually-wrapped items from larger packaging.
Please do not leave: - Open, unsealed, or used items
- Expired, rusty, and unlabeled items
- Homemade foods, leftovers
- Non-factory sealed foods
- Food items that are not shelf-stable (i.e., spoil easily/quick, need refrigeration)
- Medications (over-the-counter or prescription)