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Black Hills Energy seeks county permission for donated "little free pantry" in Makoka area
Summary
A Black Hills Energy representative asked the Jackson County Board on May 12 to allow placement of a donated "little free pantry" near a county-owned Haycap building to serve food-insecure residents; the company will donate and maintain units and is open to alternate, more central locations.
Marissa Gal of Black Hills Energy asked the Jackson County Board of Supervisors on May 12 to approve placement of a donated "little free pantry" near the Haycap building in the Makoka area.
Gal said Black Hills is installing eight donated little free pantries across the state and that the company and its local partners will supply initial stocking and handle maintenance. "This is donated and built by Black Hills Energy. We are also responsible for any of those maintenance issues," she said, adding the company will supply initial food donations and hold local food drives to help keep units stocked.
Why it matters: Board members expressed a desire to place the unit in a location that maximizes access and public safety. One board member noted the Haycap site is not heavily traveled and suggested more central locations such as the Goodwill parking lot or partnering with nonprofits, libraries or thrift stores.
Partnerships and operations: Gal said the company has partnered elsewhere with nonprofits, thrift stores and libraries, and that it consulted the Makoka Community Cupboard, which identified Haycap as a part of town considered a food desert. She said the company is open to other site suggestions and will provide contact information and follow up with county staff.
Next steps: Supervisors said they would check alternatives and reach out to Gal within one to two weeks to identify a location that balances accessibility and safety. No formal county action was taken at the May 12 meeting.
