Heather Koontz
MONTPELIER — The Montpelier food pantry has a new home on Barre Street. In a grand opening celebration during the first-ever Montpelier Porchfest, the organization introduced its rebranded facility — the Montpelier Community Market.
The market, formerly called the Montpelier Food Pantry, is a project of nonprofit Just Basics Inc.
“[Just Basics] started more than 20 years ago as a grassroots social justice organization,” Executive Director Rick DeAngelis said. “Founded with the idea that the community can help itself to meet its needs, [Just Basics] still has a particular focus on food justice.”
DeAngelis said the local resource has grown from a small pantry to a robust store-style operation with more than 1,000 visits per month — and continues to increase as inflation rises and food stamp programs tighten.
To adjust to this growing need, the organization moved from its post-flood location beneath the parking garage downtown to the former Woodbelly Pizza storefront at 79 Barre Street. DeAngelis said the location, branding, and name changes represent a community-centric, cheerful market presence.
“The new location offers a great accessible downtown area location, a light-filled shopping area, ample storage, and off-street parking,” DeAngelis said.
With help from the Barre Street Arts Revival, Just Basics opened the Montpelier Community Market Sept. 19 during a city-wide music festival. DeAngelis said about 150 people braved the wet weather to enjoy a by-donation hot dog, brass band, and tours of the facility.
The Montpelier Community Market is open for shopping Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays/Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit justbasics.org to learn more.
