Plainfield Student Sets Up Food Pantry For Eagle Scout Project

PLAINFIELD, IL — Tommy Brooks, a 16-year-old junior at Plainfield North High School, recently assembled and stocked a "micro food pantry" as part of his Eagle Scout service project. His food pantry is adjacent to the Keller Williams Realty Office, 11850 Illinois Route 59.

"The idea for my Eagle Project first came about when I realized how many people in our very own community were in need of food and basic supplies for themselves and their families," Brooks said in an email to Patch. "When I noticed this, I wanted to come up with something that would benefit those who are struggling in our community and do so without costing them money."

In order to attain Eagle rank — the Boy Scouts' highest — youth are required to plan and undertake a community service project. The project has to benefit the scout's community and involve their input. Brooks said he got the idea for the micro food pantry from another member of the Plainfield community, Joette Doyle.

Doyle, a speech pathologist, previously set up another micro food pantry in the village.

"Ms. Doyle did a pantry in south Plainfield," Brooks said. "That was kind of my inspiration."

Doyle, who was present for Brooks' public dedication of the food pantry on Saturday morning, Feb. 22, said micro food pantries function on the concept of "mutual aid." Put simply, this means anyone can take what they like from the pantry for no charge, but with the expectation that they or other members of the community will restock when they are able.

Free, quality food could potentially help many people around Plainfield, given that the village is surrounded by areas considered "food deserts" by some metrics. Doyle said there already are local groups ready to do the work of keeping the pantry stocked.

"[The food pantry] already has a Facebook page... there are so many organizations in the community that want to help," she said.

The micro-pantry itself is a simple wooden box with hinged doors and a few shelves. Brooks and other members of his scouting troop built it from lumber and other materials worth about $400 total. Funding for the materials was provided by the Plainfield Lions Club.

As of Saturday morning, the pantry was fully stocked with non-perishable goods that Brooks collected from within his troop. Sitting in the shadow of the realty office, it was ready for hungry patrons.

"The pantry is open 24/7 for everyone and anyone who needs it," Brooks said.

Correction: This article was edited to correct errors and remove extraneous information.