By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Haughton’s Town Hall has launched a new initiative aimed at helping those in need. On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, the town announced the opening of a Little Free Pantry at Joe Delaney Park, offering food and essential items to the community.
Founder of the Little Free Pantry, Ethan Jeffus, explained how the project began in 2022 with the goal of expanding access to food and essential resources throughout Louisiana.
“This project started with a vision of creating resources in communities across our state,” Jeffus said. “Food insecurity is an issue I became aware of at a young age while volunteering at my local food pantry with my mom. Since then, it’s been a passion of mine. Little Free Pantries offer 24/7 access to food and essential items in accessible locations. Currently, we have 27 locations across Louisiana, from Baton Rouge and New Orleans to Ruston, Shreveport, Minden, and now Haughton.”
Jeffus credited a partnership with Walmart in Minden for expanding the project. “The idea of bringing the Little Free Pantry to Haughton came through our partnership with Walmart in Minden, which provided five new pantries. One of our Minden pantries is sponsored by Walmart, and they decided to sponsor five more locations. After working with the Town of Haughton, we identified two locations for the pantries—between the Town Hall and library, and at Joe Delaney Park.”
The two Haughton pantries were installed this past weekend, with one sponsored by Walmart and the other by Carson and Brock Whitley, sons of Stacey Adams and grandsons of Sandra Walker.
Louisiana ranks among the top five states with the highest rates of food insecurity and poverty, making the Little Free Pantry initiative more crucial than ever. Jeffus plans to continue expanding the project across the state.
“I believe if you want to see change in society, you have to be that change,” Jeffus said. “This project addresses a critical need, and it’s only possible because of the community leaders who make it happen. Seeing people give back through these pantries keeps my passion alive.”
Reflecting on his motivation, Jeffus added, “I’ve been blessed to never worry about where my next meal will come from, but I’ve seen family members and friends suffer from food insecurity. Volunteering at food banks has shown me just how much help is needed.”
For more information on how to donate to the Little Free Pantry, visit littlefreepantryla.com.