Overview
- Security video shows several men ignoring limits and repeatedly loading up on items as volunteers reported feeling intimidated and smelling alcohol.
- Organizers did not file a police report, and shared blurred footage given the absence of criminal charges.
- Shelves have been restocked, and the pantry is moving to train volunteers in de-escalation as it evaluates changes to operating hours.
- Elmwood Blessing Box now serves roughly 100 to 120 families a day under a rule intended to ensure equal distribution.
- Relying entirely on donations and unable to fund paid security, the pantry is asking for non-perishables such as canned meat as aggressive incidents have risen since October.