Little Free Pantries

Announced the September 23 council forum, requested pantry donations, and awarded Nico Iannarelli citizen of the month for his $2,000 lemonade stand fundraiser.

Asked why food pantries are being targeted given the city's $8 million shortfall and requested leniency, noting a pantry was vandalized.

Asked the council to support the little pantries rather than restrict Donna, and distributed stickers.

Thanked donors and warned the pantries may be chainsawed down under zoning changes; announced June 20 dedications at Schools 11 and 17.

Shared stories of seniors relying on the pantries and urged the council not to shut them down.

Described empty pantries and hungry families squeezed by gas prices; asked residents to donate food and goods and noted the state's new worker-classification rules.