Many Hands Make Little Food Pantries Work
Anna Lindvay places a sign at Perry Square during a food drive for Erie's multiple Little Food Pantry locations.
Upon learning about a former president's scheduled speech in downtown Erie, organizers from the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) sprang into action. With the purpose of countering the campaign event with practical and positive change, the DSA looked to filling the multiple Little Food Pantries in Erie. While political rallies are a platform to express opinions and ideologies, Little Food Pantries address immediate, tangible needs
With thirteen sites in Erie, Little Food Pantries (LFP) are a network of neighbors and caring individuals working collectively to address food insecurity. LFPs stand in Erie neighborhoods as a representation of how mutual aid can serve communities.
Cole Schenley, co-chair of the DSA Erie Chapter, helped to organize the LFP food drive held in Perry Square on July 29th. Schenley saw the food drive as an opportunity to spread awareness about food insecurity as well as other initiatives the Erie Chapter supports locally. "We had a great line up of speakers, Katie Dickey from our DSA, City Councilpersons Jasmine Flores and Susannah Faulkner, as well as LGBT activist Tyler Titus." Schenley added, "this event helped feed our community and grow our chapter, so we see this as a huge success."
Schenley, a queer Erie resident, is no stranger to local activism working to further transgender rights with the DSA and as a board member of TransFamily of NWPA. "Economic challenges and social discrimination yield food insecurities within the LGBTQ+ community, supporting the LFP's is another way we can give back to the queer community in Erie."
LFP's can be found at the following locations:
- 816 West 8th Street
- 745 East 5th Street
- 953 Hess Avenue
- 2813 Raspberry Street
- East 23rd and Reed (Trinity Church)
- 314 East 11th Street
- 329 East 28th Street
- East 26th and Wallace (St John's)
- East 9th and German (in parking lot)
- 606 West 2nd Street
- 250 West 7th Street (church parking lot)
- Cascade between w 23rd and 24th
- Powell Ave between 10th and 12th
