The Glasgow Electric Plant Board developed a micro-pantry at its Mallory Drive location in Glasgow. The “blessing box” serves anyone and is open to nonperishable food item donations.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Food insecurity is a highly common occurrence in rural Kentucky areas like Glasgow. One additional “micro pantry” recently opened at Glasgow Electric Plant Board, sparking an important conversation on how the community can take better care of itself.
Barren County has a poverty rate of 20.1% as of 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This rate is similar to many other surrounding rural counties too.
The Glasgow Electric Plant Board built its first “blessing box” from excess and re-purposed materials in their warehouse, according to communications manager, Terryn Varney. The addition comes to several already around the community.
Since it’s creation, several other locations in the area have also created their own. EPB’s box resembles a utility worker and stands outside the main entrance of the building. It wears a blue construction hat and holds a light bulb in its right hand.
Blessing boxes are open to anyone to give or to take. People are encouraged to leave their non-perishable food items for fellow neighbors.
Varney suggested that folks only leave canned items with pop-tabs in order to include people without can openers. Additionally, Varney reminded those who engage with the blessing boxes to close and latch the box after use.
The following is a comprehensive location-based list of blessing boxes in Barren County for donation or use. A flyer for sharing purposes can be located here.
Barren County:
- Across from Kingrey’s Auto Repair (410 East College Street)
- Barren County Family YMCA (1 YMCA Way)
- Eastern Elementary (4601 New Salem Road)
- E. Main Methodist Church (721 East Main Street)
- First United Methodist Church (500 S Green Street)
- Glasgow Electric Plant Board (100 Mallory Drive)
- Glasgow Liquors (105 Park Avenue)
- Goodwill (212 S L Rogers Wells Blvd)
- Habitat for Humanity Restore (506 West Main Street)
- Mimi’s Attic (421 Happy Valley Road)
- South Central Kentucky Cultural Center (200 West Water Street)
Cave City:
- Cave City Baptist Church (501 Broadway Street)
- Cave City Christian Church (300 Broadway Street)
- Caverna Elementary School (1106 N Dixie Hwy)
- Hair gallery (220 Mammoth Cave Street)
Cave city can expect several more blessing boxes soon, according to business-owner and city council member, Leticia Cline.
Hiseville:
- Hiseville Elementary School (149 Cardinal Boulevard)
