Free food pantry feeds residents, community spirit

As the holiday season approaches and the weather grows colder, the need for community support becomes more evident. A local mental health therapist, who recognized the financial and emotional strains that many face during this time of year, has taken a unique step to help neighbors in need. 

Heather Sunshine Bartlett, PMHNP, who works at Boundary Community Clinics, has long been dedicated to supporting clients' mental well-being. However, she recently saw an opportunity to extend that care beyond the therapy room. After hearing from several clients about their struggles to make ends meet, especially as the holidays approached, Bartlett and her husband decided to take action. With her idea and his handiwork, they created a free food donation box designed to be accessible to anyone in the community. 

Located outside Boundary Community Clinics at 6641 Kaniksu St., the donation box is simple in design but powerful in purpose. It's open to anyone who needs it, with no questions asked. Those who are struggling to put food on the table can simply stop by and take what they need. At the same time, community members who have extra food can contribute items to the box, helping to ensure that it remains stocked for others. 

Bartlett said she wanted to create a safe, judgment-free way for people to get access to food if they need it. There’s no paperwork, no sign-in required. Residents simply just come and take what they need, and if you can, leave something for someone else. It's all about building that sense of connection and care within our community. 

The food donation box is stocked with non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal, but the couple encourages donations of fresh produce and perishable goods as well, depending on how the box is maintained 

Bartlett said the pantry isn’t just about food, it’s about showing that the community cares for one another, especially when times are tough.  

“The holidays can be an especially difficult time for some, and we hope this small gesture can make a big difference,” Bartlett said. 

The couple’s initiative is a reflection of the growing trend of "little free pantries" that are popping up in communities across the country, where neighbors help neighbors by donating food and necessities in accessible locations. But in this case, it's a partnership between mental health services and community support, highlighting the important connection between mental and physical well-being. 

The response to the food box has already been overwhelmingly positive, the couple said. People in the community have expressed their gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown by the initiative. They said they hope it will inspire others to consider ways they can help those around them this holiday season—and beyond. 

Those interested in donating food to the box can drop off items at Boundary Community Clinics at any time during the day. For more information on how to get involved, or in need of food, you can contact the clinic at 208-267-3655 or go online to boundarycommunityhospital.org 

As the holiday season draws near, the free food box stands as a reminder of the power of community and the simple but profound impact that one person’s idea can have on the lives of many.