By Aidan Mastandrea
News Editor
The Trenton Elks Lodge 105 recently built a little pantry with the goal of helping people in need. The pantry can be found at 42 Decou Ave. in Ewing.
According to their website, the Elks are one of the “largest fraternal organizations in the country,” with over one million members across the country. The Trenton lodge has around 450 members.
Every year, the Trenton Elks receive upwards of five grants from the national Elk organization. One grant specifies use for food and security, and after some brainstorming, the group decided to request money to build their own pantry.
“We found out about the little pantry project and it kind of spiraled into that,” said Trenton Elks Exalted Ruler Jim Castelize. “It was like a whirlwind of how it happened.”
The little pantry movement has started to gain traction nationwide as a way to support those who may need food or other essential goods.
As described on littlefreepantry.org, “The mini pantry movement is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods.”
While there are already large pantries and other support set up for folks in the area, this “little pantry” can be an alternative for many.
According to littlefreepantry, “29% of those experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs.”
“There's a subset of people that are afraid to go to [other food pantries] for just straight embarrassment,” said Castelize.
At any time, anyone can take goods from the pantry, no matter their financial status. Castelize understands that some goods that are taken may not be of necessity.
“Who cares? It’s there for people to take stuff,” said Castelize. “I mean I don't care if somebody’s [just] having a bad day.”
The Trenton Elks received $2,000 to help with the project, which gave them enough to stock up heavily on goods for the pantry. According to Castelize, they have already had to restock the pantry after less than a week.
“We’ve already had members donate, and the idea behind it…is that you take something, you leave something,” said Castelize. “The idea is that it should be self sufficient.”
The Trenton Elks are always looking to help the community. In 2024, they provided over 400 backpacks along with school supplies to the Trenton school district.
In just a week, the Elks’ decision to bring the little pantry movement to Ewing has already made an impact.
“It was one of those things we thought would be a great addition to the community,” said Castelize.
