Local family launches Free Little Pantry in Graford to support community amid rising costs.
Story by Kim Nussbaum
The Free Little Pantry can be found at the entrance of City Hall in Graford. Ashley Stephens introduced the concept to Francis Ferguson, who was working at City Hall at the time. Ferguson then brought the idea to the City Council, where it received approval. Currently, Khili Ferguson oversees the pantry and replenishes it from the supply room as needed.
It is widely recognized that Jason and Ashley Stephens, residents of The Harbor, have a profound love for their community and are committed to supporting it.
The Stephens family includes three children who attend Graford ISD: 8-year-old Nixon, 7-year-old Saylor, and 4-year- old Huxton. Additionally, Ashley plays an active role on the school board.
Upon discovering that some residents in Graford were having difficulty paying their bills, Ashley felt compelled to take action. Inspired by the Free Pantry at the Methodist Church in Graham, where the Stephens had previously attended, she realized that Graford needed its own food bank to address the rising water costs that were burdening many families.
Ashley reached out to her father and stepmother, Doug and Charlotte King for assistance in building the pantry. On the day it was delivered to City Hall, she and her children were excited to set it up and stock it for the very first time. The kids were eager to contribute to helping those in need. For Ashley, it became an important lesson, as they had never considered that not everyone has a fully stocked pantry at home. This experience truly broadened their perspective.
Graford’s Free Little Pantry, marked with the message “Free Food Pantry: Give What You Can, Take What You Need,” is located just outside City Hall in downtown Graford. The pantry is always accessible and does not require any
Pictured left to right: Nixon, Huxton and Saylor, along with their mom, Ashley Stephens the day the Free Little Pantry arrived.
interaction; you simply open the cabinet and take what you need.
The community has shown tremendous support, and Ashley has been delighted with the positive feedback. “People have been incredibly generous,” she noted. After a Facebook post highlighted the need for snack items, a table was filled the very next day! They even have a dedicated room for extra food, which Khili Ferguson, who works at City Hall, checks on daily.
Initially, Graford’s Free Little Pantry saw a lot of activity, though it seems to have slowed down recently. In the first month, there was a noticeable increase in usage. Ashley has been struck by how willing people are to help one another, stating, “Even those who don’t have much are willing to give something, and that’s beautiful.”
Individually packaged snacks have emerged as the most sought-after items. Ashley expressed, “This makes me both happy and sad because I suspect it’s the kids who are grabbing those, and it breaks my heart to think of anyone, especially children, going hungry. I know how ‘hangry’ my kids get after school, so it comforts me to know kids can stop by and grab a snack if they need to.”
Personal hygiene products, such as toothbrushes and soap, have also been in high demand.
Graford is thankful for the considerate support from families like the Stephens, as well as all those who back this initiative.
Nixon and Saylor anxiously stock the Free Little Pantry.
The Free Little Pantry can be found in front of the City Hall in Graford. Give What You Can, Take What You Need.
Top 10 Items to Donate and Their Importance:
- Peanut Butter: A favorite among both children and adults, peanut butter is high in protein and is the most requested item by food banks.
- Canned Proteins: Canned chicken, tuna, and salmon are excellent sources of protein, offering essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, making them great for quick and nutritious meals.
- Canned Beans: Varieties such as black beans, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, green beans, and pinto beans are rich in protein and fiber, providing a healthy way to satisfy hunger.
- Pasta & Pasta Sauce: Easy to prepare and very filling, pasta and sauce are excellent choices for donations. Choose whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrition compared to white pasta.
- Pantry Staples: Imagine cooking without essentials like flour or sugar—this is a reality for many facing food insecurity. Donating items like flour, sugar, and condiments can greatly assist those in need. Stove Top Stuffing is a favorite, as it only requires water.
- Canned Vegetables: Always in high demand, canned vegetables are nutrient-dense and fiber-rich, making them a long-lasting and healthy option for pantries.
- Cooking Essentials: Basic items such as olive oil and spices are often lacking in food-insecure households. Consider donating staples like garlic powder, minced onion, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Formula: Many parents in food insecure communities struggle to afford formula due to its high cost, especially when breastfeeding isn’t an option. Donations can help supplement existing programs.
- Baby Food: It’s also beneficial to donate any unused baby food that may be tucked away in your pantry, as it can provide nourishment for infants.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Often viewed as luxury items, these essentials may be overlooked in budgets but are crucial for many families.
What to Avoid:
When donating, please avoid expired items or dented cans. Cans with easy pull tabs are especially helpful since not everyone has a can opener. If you choose to donate luxury items like cake mixes, opt for those that require only water, as eggs and milk may not always be available. Don’t forget the icing—everyone appreciates the joy of celebrating a child’s birthday with a cake.
Source: Move For Hunger, Texas Food Bank
