The pantries distribute nutritious perishable and non-perishable food for free.
Tyra Jackson, executive director of the food bank, said the first day of food distribution with the mobile pantries in what was formerly Kroger’s parking lot at 1822 S. Limestone St. went “pretty well.”
“We have people walking in and we have some people that have brought multiple people in cars,” Jackson said on Thursday. “Being the first day, we are pretty pleased with the amount of people we have been able to help.
A mobile pantry will be stationed in the parking of 1822 S. Limestone St. every Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon until further notice, according to the food bank’s website.
READ MORE ON THE MOBILE PANTRIES: Foodbank to deploy more mobile pantries after Kroger closes Springfield store
The food bank announced on Feb. 19 they would be deploying eight mobile pantries throughout the south side of Springfield following Kroger’s closure.
Residents interested in utilizing one of the food bank’s mobile pantries can visit the food bank’s website for more information.
Jackson said previously the food bank is also partnering with the Springfield City School District to use their parking lots for even more mobile pantries. Those pantries will be stationed in different SCSD parking lots on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Many residents, like Rhonda Lawson, used wagons or plastic tubes to carry food back home Thursday.
Lawson said while it’s bad that Kroger decided to close their location in south Springfield, she is thankful for the food bank’s assistance.
“I think it’s great because it helps the people in the community get food. It’s going to help me and my mom,” Lawson said. “It’s going to help a lot of other people.”
SEE: PHOTOS: Empty shelves at the South Limestone Street Kroger
Funding for the food bank’s mobile pantries will come in part from Kroger — as part of a deal the city of Springfield reached with the grocery chain.
Under the deal, before leaving the south side, Kroger agreed to: contribute a minimum of $19,500 to Second Harvest Food Bank to support additional food bank services, donate the building at 1822 S. Limestone St., and the land, including non-proprietary contents of the facility without restriction on future use and contribute $31,500 to support shuttle services.
The Abilities Connection, a Springfield non-profit organization, announced Monday the free shuttle service will begin running Saturday.
The service will pick residents up in the 1822 S. Limestone St. parking lot and transport them to the Kroger located at 2728 E. Main St. Hours for the shuttle are: Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
On Wednesday, TAC listed shuttle rules on their Facebook page.
The rules say:
• Passengers using the shuttle service must limit items to what they can carry in one trip.
• Passengers must remain seated, keeping aisles and exits clear. Seat belts in the vehicles are provided as an option but are not required to be worn per state law.
• Passengers must limit items on the vehicle to what they can carry in one trip.
• Strollers must be folded prior to boarding and stowed within the seating area. Passengers must keep their feet off seats and are asked to not take up more than one seat.
• Passengers must be respectful to others and obey the vehicle operator and safety aide promptly and respectfully.
• Passengers must refrain from having open alcohol containers or drugs in their possession, except for required prescription medication.
• Passengers must wear a shirt and shoes and must maintain personal hygiene.
• Passengers must use headsets when listening to audio devices and are asked to refrain from using cell phones while on vehicles. Ringers must be turned off.
• No profanity, disruptive, threatening or abusive behavior allowed.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• No littering or pets.
• Passengers are asked to not stick hands, arms, head or objects out of the windows. Passengers are asked not to open windows while climate control systems are in operation.
• Passengers are not permitted to carry any item which could cause injury or damage to riders or operators, including firearms, knives and hazardous materials.
• TAC reserves the right to cease services at any time due to health and safety issues.
MORE ON KROGER: ‘This impact will be deeply felt’: Groups say Kroger closure to hurt south Springfield
3: Days since Kroger on South Limestone Street has closed
8: Additional mobile pantries that will be stationed on the south side of Springfield following Kroger’s closure
$19,500: Minimum amount the Second Harvest Food Bank will receive from Kroger under new deal reached with the City of Springfield
The Springfield News-Sun was the first news source to tell readers about the South Limestone Street closure. Since then, the News-Sun has provided unmatched coverage of how the closure has affected residents of the south Springfield community.
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