Former Police Station to House McKenzie Rotary Food Pantry

McKENZIE (August 13) — After living primarily in McKenzie City Hall for several months, the McKenzie Rotary Club's food pantry has officially found a home. During Thursday night's meeting, the McKenzie City Council agreed to house the food pantry in the city's former police station, located in the rear of United Neighbors.

Councilperson Tim McBride presented the request to the board after establishing an agreement with the McKenzie Rotary Club President Armand Hebert.

Addressing the council, Hebert said the McKenzie Rotary Club provided food assistance to over 700 individuals in the preceding 30 days through various club initiatives.

"I really believe that that expresses that we're on the right track to really try to eradicate some hunger issues in our community," Hebert said.

Councilperson McBride's request stipulated that the space will serve as a dedicated site, collection area and distribution point for the Rotary Club's food pantry initiative.

The City will not charge any amount to the Rotary Club for rent or utilities, and it will absorb the cost and labor of cleaning the area of unnecessary items currently in the rooms. The City will also update the space's electrical capability to ensure it is safe and up to standard.

The money which was going to be used by the Rotary Club for a food pantry can therefore be used for another service project for the area, McBride said.

The Rotary Club will, however, be responsible for installing a split unit in the space for the purposes of heating and cooling, as there are currently no signs of ventilation in the space.

Those in need of food assistance will enter through the back entrance of the building. Signage will soon be installed to indicate where to enter. The back entrance is meant to help maintain anonymity and eliminate the potential stigma of needing assistance.

Councilman McBride’s recommendation was met with agreement, as the council unanimously voted to allow the Rotary Club to use the space in the rear of United Neighbors as a dedicated food pantry site.

While the City of McKenzie is not responsible for the distribution of food, city officials will still provide aid to individuals requesting food boxes at McKenzie City Hall or the McKenzie Police Department. United Neighbors is not involved in any food distribution as a part of the Rotary Club's food pantry initiative.