In the spring of 2007, many people who were concerned about the people in Pontiac who could not afford food for themselves and their children, met to discuss the possibility of starting a larger food pantry in Pontiac. The goal was to combine all the food pantries in Pontiac into one big food pantry to be used by all. This group, led by Ruth Schlosser went to the City Council to ask for the use of a building in town to be used for this pantry. The City Council gave this group several choices of buildings. We picked the former bus station/Dr. offices behind the Police/Fire station because it was centrally located. We met with Curt Myers, a lawyer to have him draw up the legal papers we would need and incorporated this pantry into the Livingston County Community Pantry. We also applied for tax free exemption. In July 2007 we opened to the public. With all our donations we had shelves from Interlake, plenty of food, numerous volunteers, and an organized plan on how our clients would be able to “shop” at this new “grocery store.”  So many businesses, corporations, schools, and individuals have supported us that we can feed over 250 families each month or over 600 people. We have people coming up with creative ideas how to donate food all the time. The First Lutheran Church came up with the idea of “Meal in a Bag”, and “Dessert in a Bag” and they regularly donate each month.  Several individuals watch the sales and then shop and bring these items to our pantry. We have had deer hunters bring in venison to donate. We have had Bev Long from the County Extension Office come and teach cooking classes. We have so many wonderful volunteers that help us out each month that the Livingston County Pantry has become very successful and able to help so many families in Livingston County.

We are located at 420 N. Plum St. in Pontiac.  You can call the pantry at 815-844-1039.

Hours of operation

Monday: 1pm-5pm

Wednesday: 1pm-5pm

Saturday: 10am-12pm

Rules and what to bring

Families may only visit the pantry once every 30 days.

If it is your first visit you will need to provide the following documents two forms of ID (1 with photo and correct address), Social Security card & proof of income.