Colony’s Carpenter’s Cabinet held its official grand opening last month, then took time to train volunteers before beginning food distribution last week. (Tribune file photo)
COLONY – The Town of Colony’s Carpenter’s Cabinet community food pantry, which held its official grand opening last month, has completed training its first group of volunteers and held its first food distribution day last week. This week, Mayor Donnis Leeth reported to The Tribune that approximately 20 families received groceries on the first day.
The pantry is taking applications for new clients. It is important to note that food distribution only takes place on certain days each month, and that groceries are given to families who have completed an application process. Residents should apply at Colony Town Hall; according to a copy of the application displayed on the Colony Town Hall Facebook page, applicants will need to prove eligibility by presenting documentation to show at least one of the following:
- eligibility for Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
- eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF, formerly AFDC)
- eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- income at or below 130 percent of HHS 2018 poverty guidelines: $15,782 per year for one person, adding $5,616 for each additional family member
- special circumstances: the pantry will help in cases of fire, natural disaster, illness, injury, etc.
Carpenter’s Cabinet is a faith-based ministry which also maintains pantries in Falkville and Holly Pond, in partnership with the North Alabama Food Bank. As an affiliate, Colony is able to purchase food in bulk from the North Alabama Food Bank for only 14 cents per pound. The group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; donations to the town’s pantry are tax-deductible.
Carpenter’s Cabinet Founder and President Chris Warnick told The Tribune, “The pantry project in Colony was a joint effort between the Town of Colony and the Carpenter’s Cabinet: they have the facilities and we have the know-how, and we’ve trained volunteers to make this happen. We anticipate helping about 300 people the first year. The Town of Colony’s really stood behind this project.”
At the pantry’s grand opening, Leeth said, “One thing that makes it so great is that we’re going to be helping people all around this area; we’ve got like a 10-mile radius that we’re going to help. And also, it’s just amazing how people come together and help you at times like this, try to help other people.”
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