Family sets up food pantry in yard to help neighbors and community

OXFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – As many worry about the economic impacts from the Trump administration imposed tariffs and rising rates of inflation, one family has set up a food pantry in their yard to help their community.

“It’s grown a lot. More people are aware, more people are using it, more people are talking about being in need,” said Kristina Walton, Founder, Oxford Neighbor to Neighbor Pantry. “Pull up, go into the shed, grab anything that you want.”

The grab and go pantry is private. There is no need to interact with anyone.

“It’s really hard to kind of keep going and pull yourself out of that when you feel like you have no one and you have no support. You’re really isolated. You’re too embarrassed to talk about it,” said Walton.

Walton says they can see a dozen or more visitors a day.

In the month of March, more than 3,000 pounds of food was donated. Much of it is already in the hands of those who need it.

“Some people have to do it because they have no other outlet to get food right then and there,” Walton said.

She says almost one in five families in Oxford with at least one source of income struggle to afford basic costs of living.

Her neighbors recently helped build a chicken coup. Later this summer, when these chicks grow up, the pantry will offer fresh eggs.

They also hope to start growing fresh produce soon.

“It’s back to basics, gardening, raising animals that can produce eggs. It’s back to basics, working together,” said Walton.

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