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Shopping Guide News Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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Free food access points continue to grow
DONATE — Librarians at Fulton County Public Library’s main building hold donations for spaghetti. From left are Gavin Mullencupp, Nikolas Prathaftakis and Deb MarBurger.
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across Fulton County Text and Photos By LIBBY HUBBARD Staff Writer Around the county, access to food is being met with dignity, creativity and community care, thanks to a growing web of free pantries, community gardens and donation-based programs. From discreet food cabinets at libraries to repurposed wardrobes at churches, these hyper-local efforts offer ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, toiletries and support with no questions asked. “People don’t want to be seen,” said Deb MarBurger, a Fulton County Library staff member who oversees one of these pantry programs, and started the one within the library. “So, we put the cabinet off to the side. They can just walk over and pull out what they need, (there’s) no shame in it.” These cabinets serve a diverse demographic: teens seeking after-school snacks, families in temporary crisis and individuals
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experiencing homelessness. “Some kids don’t know what to grab, but they know Mom might need it,” MarBurger said. “We help them put together a meal they can take home.” Items like applesauce, ramen and pop-top canned goods are popular, along with small toiletries. Fresh produce donated during the gardening season is especially appreciated by library staff. “Fresh goes fast, especially tomatoes and green peppers,” MarBurger said. Food support extends beyond libraries in Fulton County. Across the street from the main library in the county is Rochester’s City Senior Community Center. The United Ministries hosts a food pantry three days a week at the location on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, offering bread, baked goods and desserts from local stores. Area Pantries First Christian Church, 1101 Continued on page 2
OUTSIDE — Twenty-four hour pantry items outside First Christian Church.
GARDEN — Garden beds at the Fulton County Public Library’s main building.
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