Not the usual roadside assistance
Community pantries help the needy stay afloat amid Covid-19 pandemic, write Dumrongkiat Mala and Chakrapan Nathanri
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption and increased the number of people who are out of work and struggling to put food on the table.
To alleviate the plight of the less fortunate, a group of volunteers recently launched the “Pantry of Sharing” project, through which they share nonperishable food items and basic hygiene supplies, including feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and toilet paper, to others who are in need during the outbreak.
The idea is simple — the pantries are stocked up by those who can afford to give, while those in need are encouraged to come by and take what they need.
Supakit Kulchartvijit, who started the project, said the pantries are now available at five locations: Sukhumvit 71, Phet Kasem 54, Soi Vibhavadi 60, Bang Kho Laem Market in Bangkok, and in front of Sky Ville in Rayong. “The idea was inspired by similar projects in other countries which aim to help people who face difficulties in their daily lives,” he said.
Mr Supakit said when he shared this idea with others, at first they were worried that people would take everything available, or even steal the pantry. However, after two weeks, their worries have been put to rest.
“This proves that Thais are generous to each other,” he said.
The Bangkok Post went to Sukhumvit Soi 71 yesterday to talk to people coming to share their food, as well as those turning up for donated goods.
Pattama Suthichopaibul, who helped fill the pantry with instant noodles and canned food, said she learned about this project from social media. She thought it was a good idea, so she drove from her home in the nearby Pattanakarn area to donate.
“This is a difficult period for everyone. It is essential we do a little something to support each other,” she said.
Ms Pattama said she has talked to her husband about setting up their own shareable food pantry.
“He agreed to help me set up and decorate a cabinet,” she said.
Somsri (last name withheld), a retired teacher who helped stock the pantry with boxes of soy milk, eggs and a bottle of cooking oil, said although she did not have much to give, she wanted to help people who are less fortunate.
“I live alone and do not eat much, so I can share what my children brought with other people. It’s good karma,” she said.
Toy Luanhok, a motorcycle taxi driver who stopped by to take instant noodles, canned fish, bottled water and milk from the pantry, said what he took from the pantry could help him survive for at least two days.
“The number of passengers has fallen dramatically since the outbreak started. I have less money now, so this helps me a lot,” Mr Toy said.
“When I have more money, I’ll give back to people who are in need.”
Anuthida Nantara, an expectant mother who lives in Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 just off Sukhumvit Road, said she walked from her home to take a few necessities from the pantry after learning about the project from her neighbours.
“I just lost my job. I have zero income now, so these donations are meaningful to me,” she said.
“I want to thank all donators and I wish them all the best and happiness.”
Upon learning about the Pantry of Sharing, Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid19 Situation Administration (CCSA), praised the project, saying it reflects the kindness and generosity of Thais.
“It touches my heart when I hear people helping each other out during a difficult time. And I’m happy to hear that this idea is now spreading across the country,” he said.
“Many communities have started building their own versions of shareable food pantries.”
The project is now being adopted in several provinces.
Outside a Toyota showroom on Mittraphap Highway in Khon Kaen’s Muang district, a sign which says “Please feel free to take anything you need, and leave anything you can share” can be seen.
Similar signs can now be seen in several locations in the country, as people go above and beyond to help one another make ends meet after Covid19 crippled the economy.
The roadside cupboard in Khon Kaen was set up by Kulwadee Theswong, who also bought several basic items to fill it up.
Ms Kulwadee said she bought it from a furniture shop in the municipality and the owner gave her a discount of 400 baht from the original price tag of 2,200 baht when she told him what it was for.
“I saw community pantries in other provinces and wanted to have one here in Khon Kaen,” she said.
Ms Kulwadee received permission from the auto showroom to place it outside their premises as it would be seen by many passers-by.
The showroom also posted a security guard to take care of the pantry, with manager Chokchai Khunwasee saying: “We are proud to be part of this sharing effort.”
Nakhon Ratchasima has at least one pantry in the Mittraphap community in Muang district.
It was initiated by community leader Anuwat Ploedjanthuek after he saw people in the area thrown out of their jobs due to Covid-19.
“Workers living in 500 households in the community were left unemployed. They have no jobs and no money,” he said, explaining his motivation to set up the food-sharing project.
Community pantries have also appeared in Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Social media users have posted pictures of other roadside pantries in such provinces, as Saraburi, Roi Et and Chiang Mai. It is not yet clear how many people they have helped.
‘‘ It is essential that we do a little something to support each other.
PATTAMA SUTHICHOPAIBUL
‘‘ I have zero income now, so these donations are very meaningful to me.
ANUTHIDA NANTARA