Food pantry’s expansion project comes to fruition

By Ginna Young

The new Lake Holcombe Food Pantry is officially complete, as of Sept. 12, with a ribbon cutting and open house under its belt. The 30x40 space attached to the Lake Holcombe Lions Club has come a long way from the small 6x16 “closet” space at the Holcombe United Methodist Church that used to house food distribution.

Started in 1987 by church members, the small pantry had no refrigeration and could only allow one person at a time in the narrow room. Recognizing the need for a larger space, the Lions undertook the project in fall of 2018, thinking it would be a four-year project to raise the money.

Beginning in February 2019, the club and food pantry members started their collection efforts, reaching the $100,000 goal before that year was out.

“So, that tells you what the little town of Holcombe can do and group of Lions, when they put their minds to it,” said Aron Cote, immediate past club president.

Cote says while the group of volunteers had bumps along the way, the train never stopped, with a combination of community support.

“It’s part of the whole team, it’s not just one person,” agreed Rick Mitchell, current club president.

Ground was broken in 2020, and the new building was finished the same year, with a few things waiting to be completed, because of shortages in supplies.

Now, with refrigeration and freezer units, the pantry can distribute fresh vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese and meats. They also have a “waiting” area, where people can sit to take turns “shopping” for the items they need.

Dawn Rank, who has been with the food pantry for 29 years, says she can’t express her gratitude enough, to everyone who gave money and help toward the expansion project. From $5 to $1,000, Rank is amazed at the generosity of her neighbors.

“We have a wonderful, wonderful community,” she said.

[caption id="attachment_142944" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dennis Boisvert (left) accepts a Hometown Pride Award Sept. 12, from his friend and Lake Holcombe Food Pantry Expansion Project Committee chair Lion Sandi Lesmeister. Boisvert and his wife, Jeanne, offered not only financial support, but also helped with grants to fund the goal of building a new and larger food pantry. Dennis grew up in Holcombe, before heading out into the world and eventually, returning to his roots, where he and Jeanne continue to be active in community projects. “Holcombe has always been home,” said Boisvert. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]