About this time 14 years ago The Pantry in Oxford celebrated its 20th anniversary of feeding community families in need.

The community food bank’s signature leader and volunteer, Ann Odell, said in 2002 that “neat thing” about the 20th anniversary was that “we have developed a great deal of credibility in the community.”

Indeed. And now, as another decade plus four years has passed and The Pantry embarks upon its 35th year serving food to families in need, The Pantry is a cornerstone of caring and support in the Oxford community.

Odell’s work as volunteer and president of The Pantry’s board dates back to the earliest days, and her three decades-plus of encouraging others in the community to join the movement and making sure everyone understands the important role The Pantry plays is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Ann.

Similarly, all work done by hundreds of volunteers at The Pantry over the years is appreciated.

Supplies at The Pantry have dwindled recently due to a software glitch that connects the organization to The Mid-South Food Bank. But we have no doubt that the community will quickly fill shelves with needed items, including canned fruits and vegetables and soups.

Let’s show The Pantry volunteers we are here to support their efforts of making lives better for families in need in Oxford and Lafayette County.