In Pine Island, Minnesota, one passionate community member and small business leader is proving that a simple idea and a lot of heart can make a real difference.
Vino Raj, founder of To Pickleball and Beyond, recently launched the Pine Island Free Little Pantry with support from No Child Goes Hungry (NCGH). Fueled by his desire to combat food insecurity in his small town, Vino reached out to NCGH for guidance and support, and the response was instant.
“When I first heard back from Rev. Kären Rasmussen, I was blown away,” said Raj. “She responded not only with encouragement, but with hands-on help: funding, supplies, and ideas for growing this effort into something lasting.”
Over the course of just a few weeks, the Pine Island community came together. Local businesses offered to host the pantry. Neighbors provided feedback and enthusiasm through social media. Volunteers stepped up to help build and stock the structure. What started as a Facebook post quickly turned into a tangible expression of community care.
On a bright Sunday afternoon in early June, the first pantry was officially installed in a central spot on Main Street.
And then, just as the last shelf was screwed into place, four large boxes from No Child Goes Hungry arrived at Raj’s doorstep, filled with nonperishable food items, utensils, printed materials, and decals to help brand and support the new initiative.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had so many happy heartbeats in one day,” said Raj. “This partnership has made something incredibly special possible in our little town.”
Raj, along with his wife Stephanie and a growing local team, has already launched a dedicated Facebook group for the pantry. The group will serve as a hub for updates, donation coordination, and community conversation. The team also has plans to expand its operations. Conversations are already underway for a second location.
“At No Child Goes Hungry, we believe there are countless ways to help end childhood hunger — and those ideas often start at the local level,” said Rasmussen. “We’re proud to support Vino and his team as they lead the way in Pine Island. Their creativity and commitment are exactly what our mission is all about.”
To learn more about the Pine Island Free Little Pantry or explore ways to support weekend food access programs, school pantries, or community refrigerators, visit www.nochildgoeshungry.net.
And be sure to follow the Free Little Pantry – Pine Island Facebook Group here.
#LetsFeedSomeKids