SATURDAY AT THE FOOD PANTRY
Written by Diane O'Neill • Illustrated by Brizida Magro
Picture Book • 32 pages
Albert Whitman & Company • 2021
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7236-8
Mom says everyone need help sometimes. And sometimes that means visiting a food pantry. When Molly and her mom visit their local food pantry for the first time, Molly discovers that it is a bit different from the grocery store; they have to wait in line to enter and check in. There’s also lots of signs reminding them to only take one of each food item, so there will be enough for everyone.
When Molly sees her classmate, Caitlin, at the food pantry, Molly is excited at first. But when Caitlin is embarrassed, Molly is confused. Then when Molly wants to add a box of sugar cookies to their cart and her mom hesitates, also looking embarrassed, Molly starts to wonder if there’s something wrong with needing help.
But when friendly volunteers and neighbors join up with Molly’s creativity and positivity, a sense of community is created, and Molly, her mom, and even Caitlin, are able to gently affirm that indeed everyone does need help sometimes and that that’s okay!
Filled with bright, friendly illustrations, Saturday at the Food Pantry, is an especially timely and important picture book. It gently shines a light on food insecurity, which affects millions of households every year, and ends with hope, togetherness and a full belly.
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Reviewed by: Jane Smith