Pender’s Mini Food Pantry: A Small Space with a Big Mission
The Pender Mini Food Pantry is officially open and ready to serve our community! This little structure—built as an Eagle Scout Project by one of Pender’s Boy Scouts—is a beautiful example of service, compassion, and creativity.
At first glance, it looks a lot like a Little Free Library, but instead of books, it’s stocked with nonperishable food for anyone in need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share kindness and nourishment in our neighborhood.
Location:
You’ll find the pantry at 12301 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033—coming from Route 50, it’s the second driveway on the left into Pender, right beside the sidewalk.
What’s Inside:
As of this writing, the pantry is filled with a wide variety of items, including:
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Canned tuna, chicken, chili, and soup
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Broth, vegetables, pumpkin, and apple sauce
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Shelf-stable milk, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and individual fruit packs
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Jello, pudding cups, mac and cheese servings, and mashed potatoes
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Coffee, oatmeal, ketchup, gravy packets, and cooking oil
It’s truly a community effort—and every contribution helps keep it going.
How to Help:
Anyone is welcome to take what they need or to donate food items to keep the pantry stocked. When you give, please remember our guiding principle:
Give with dignity. Donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.
A Reflection
In Matthew 14:19–20, Jesus blesses a few loaves and fishes and feeds thousands—reminding us that God multiplies our small acts of generosity into abundance for all.
The Pender Mini Food Pantry is one small basket among many, but together, we can feed both body and spirit in the name of Christ.
