Ruby’s Pantry has permanent home

SPOONER — Ruby’s Pantry is an event held on the second Saturday of the month in Spooner from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Anyone who eats can purchase a bundle for $25. There is no income or residency requirement. Guided by Director Karen Sorenson and an army of dedicated volunteers, the day goes very smoothly.

Ruby’s began several years ago and still is going strong. When COVID-19 changed the way the food was distributed, outside instead of inside the Spooner Alternative School, the volunteers were there rain or shine, with temperatures sometimes as low as 20 degrees below zero. The youngest volunteer is 5 years old, and many are volunteering as a family.

Ruby’s has been using the Washburn County Fairgrounds during the winter and Spooner High School for the other months. But now Spooner Ruby’s will have a permanent home … Arrow Building Center at 1000 Roundhouse Rd.

ABC has been and will continue to provide at no cost the service of a forklift and operator to unload the semi and reload the pallets at the end of the day. Without their help, Ruby’s would not be possible.

For every bundle that is purchased, Spooner Ruby’s keeps $2.50 and that is used to help purchase food from Economart … usually a protein to supplement the distributions.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, check out Ruby’s Pantry and fill out a volunteer form. Hope to see you in May at ABC!