LOCAL

Man runs food pantry in his front yard

Ashley Books
Chambersburg Public Opinion

CHAMBERSBURG - Allen Melius' granddaughter was living in the basement of his home, when she would come upstairs and tell him she didn't have enough to feed her two sons. 

Allen Melius installed a food pantry in his front yard at 516 Hamilton Avenue, Chambersburg. Melius saw  a need for a 24-hour pantry when he saw so many people go hungry in the area.

Her husband had lost his job, and the family didn't make enough money to afford food. So, Melius would help out by fixing meals for the children, ages 2 and 6. 

And then, he got an idea. 

"That's when I got to thinking, 'Oh, there's other people out there I'm sure that don't have money to buy food and that are in need," he said. 

Now, the Chambersburg man is running a food pantry out of a small shed in his front yard on Hamilton Avenue to help the community. 

Allen Melius installed a food pantry in his front yard at 516 Hamilton Avenue, Chambersburg. Melius saw  a need for a 24-hour pantry when he saw so many people go hungry in the area.

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But it wasn't just his granddaughter that inspired him to take action. Melius said an article in the Public Opinion about blessing boxes, miniature food pantries placed outside of churches and at other locations in the area where people can give and take food, also encouraged him to start the project. 

Melius' pantry has been open for about two months. It includes nonperishable food items that were either donated or that Melius bought himself, such as canned goods, pancake and cake mixes, fresh vegetables, cereals and loaves of bread. He has even gone as far as installing a solar panel and a solar light for those who might stop to get food in the evening. However, Melius is still on the lookout for a small refrigerator so he can store perishable foods like meat, eggs and milk. 

With winter right around the corner, he also plans to buy a small heater to keep the food warm so it doesn't freeze during the colder months. 

For those who need the help, the pantry is always available - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Melius checks it a few times each day to see what's been taken and what needs to be replenished, but he said residents are welcome to come by and take what they need. 

Allen Melius installed a food pantry in his front yard at 516 Hamilton Avenue, Chambersburg. Melius saw  a need for a 24-hour pantry when he saw so many people go hungry in the area.

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Melius said when he first started building the pantry his family thought the idea was crazy. 

"They said 'well, it's not going to work,' and I said, 'well, sure it will,'" he said. 

Luckily, the project turned out to be a success which has gotten the attention of those in the area. Melius said many people and some of his neighbors have made donations, and he's seen several others stop and take food. 

"So far, it's working pretty good," he said. "I'm hoping we're helping people. A lot of food items get gone, so it must be helping someone." 

Allen Melius installed a food pantry in his front yard at 516 Hamilton Avenue, Chambersburg. Melius saw  a need for a 24-hour pantry when he saw so many people go hungry in the area.

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The 81-year-old Vietnam veteran said what he enjoys most about the project is the opportunity it gives him to help others. He doesn't expect anything in return, and is just grateful he is in a position to give back. 

"I know people out there need help," Melius said. "A lot of them don't have the blessings that we have, and I'm thankful that we're able to do something like this. It gives me a good feeling to know that we might be helping someone in need." 

He also hopes the idea will catch on and continue to grow. 

"I'd like to see others do the same thing," Melius said. "There's no reason why they couldn't. It doesn't have to be a shed the size I have here. Even just a small box or something where they can put canned items in." 

Donations to the food pantry can be made by leaving food in the shed on 516 Hamilton Ave. 

Ashley Books, 717-377-4512