Board approves library‑affiliated 'Stone Soup' pantry to operate from community clubhouse
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Summary
Directors approved an agreement allowing library volunteers to run a food pantry from a clubhouse storage room, with staff and GSRMA recommending volunteer training and noting that the district does not provide auto coverage for volunteers' personal vehicles.
The board voted to approve an agreement enabling the Stone Soup Pantry, operated by library volunteers, to use an unused room behind the Shelter Cove library/community clubhouse to store and distribute donated food items.
Staff said the district’s risk‑management carrier (GSRMA) advised that volunteers can be covered under the district’s volunteer resolution for worker injury and liability, but recommended that pantry volunteers take basic training such as back‑injury prevention and harassment‑prevention courses offered online. Staff also noted that the district does not provide property or auto physical‑damage coverage for personal vehicles used by volunteers; volunteers’ personal auto insurance would need to respond in any vehicle claim.
Cynthia Eden, who spoke on behalf of the pantry, clarified that the pantry service itself is intended to be ongoing and that the word “temporary” referenced only the specific storage location if a later remodel required a move. The board struck the word “temporary” from the motion and directed staff to sign the agreement while retaining language allowing the district to reclaim the space if necessary for remodeling.
The motion passed on roll call. Supporters in public comment described the pantry as an important local safety‑net service and urged the board not to charge the pantry for the use of space.
What happens next: Staff will finalize the signed agreement with Stone Soup Pantry, arrange recommended volunteer training, and coordinate any necessary locks or access protocols to protect other organizations’ stored items in the building.