People in need of nonperishables are invited to visit local food-sharing boxes that have been established in the area. The boxes are regularly stocked with essentials like canned goods, pasta and other staples.

The area's newest box, called Pumpkin's Pantry, was installed on Oct. 31 at Historic Poole Forge, 1940 Main St., Narvon (Churchtown). The pantry is named for the site's resident cat.

The food pantry box, which was donated by Churchtown Therapeutic Massage, currently contains nonperishables, including canned soup, peanut butter and applesauce, as well as boxed goods like cereal. The pantry is located next to the site's book-sharing box, and it is available during Poole Forge's operating hours, from dawn to dusk.

"I wanted it to debut during the Thanksgiving season," said Dawn Ekdahl, Poole Forge executive director. "It is weather resistant, and I wanted something that was dignified for people to help (themselves)."

The box is emblazoned with the words "Take if you need" and "Give if you can." "We want people to donate things," said Ekdahl. "Even small contributions make a difference."

Ekdahl noted that only nonperishable food items that are not expired or open should be placed in the box. She said the box is ideal for senior citizens on a fixed income or for a family facing an unexpected hardship.

Ekdahl announced the opening of Pumpkin's Pantry at http://www.facebook.com/pooleforge. In a post dated Oct. 31, Ekdahl stated, "Even one or two items make a real impact. Next time you're at the store, grab an extra can of soup, a box of pasta or a jar of peanut butter. Small acts of kindness create lasting change."

A Little Free Pantry can be found at Living God Lutheran Church, 3200 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook. According to Julie Funk, church council president and a board member of the Honey Brook Food Pantry, the box is always stocked with quality food donated by the church congregation. She noted that there is also a place where visitors can write down their needs, such as sugar-free items or gluten-free products.

"Our pantry is alive and well. It has been embraced by the church. We fill it every day. And we receive notes from people who need special items," Funk said, noting a small quantity of cat and dog food is also included. "We provide cereals and oatmeal; fruit; macaroni and cheese; snacks, like granola bars; soups and canned pasta; pasta and sauce; Hormel complete microwave meals; (canned) chicken, tuna and ham; and canned vegetables. We also try to put a few personal care items in there."

Another Blessing Box is located next to the Birdsboro Borough police station at the corner of Cinder and Mill streets. It was put in place by Girl Scouts from Birdsboro Troop 1080, who installed the box as part of their Bronze Award Project in May of 2023.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 548 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, also has its own food pantry box. It is located just outside the main entrance of the church and can be accessed anytime. Residents in need of food assistance can stop and take what they need. For more information, contact the church office at 610-385-6616.

Other boxes in the area are maintained by It Takes a Village, a Chester County-based nonprofit organization. Each box is marked with the phrase, "Take only what you need. Leave behind what you can."

One of the boxes can can be found at the West Nantmeal Township Recreation Area, located next to the township building at 455 N. Manor Road (Route 82), Elverson. The box is situated next to the site's Little Free Library.

The community food box at the township building was put into place by Nathan Lutz, a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Lutz also installed a box at the church, located at 1040 Chestnut Tree Road, Honey Brook; at the Village Library, 207 N. Walnut St., Morgantown; and at the Hearts in Hands Community Center, located in the Indian Run mobile home park at 1 Lenape Way, Honey Brook.

According to http://www.ittakesavillagecc.org/food-boxes.html, the food boxes are a great resource for the homeless, people who have experienced hard times and hungry school students. The boxes, which operate on an honor system, are unlocked and can be accessed by anyone 24 hours a day.

It is recommended that people donate canned goods with pull tabs since members of the homeless community who visit the box may not have access to a can opener. Items in glass containers are also not recommended since they can burst in cold temperatures.

To learn more, including the location of all of the boxes maintained by the organization, visit the aforementioned website.