12-Year-Old Creates Food Pantry
Read the original article with video interview on WesternMassNews.com
HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- When thousands of Massachusetts residents lost their SNAP benefits on November 1, Elizabeth Allen, age 12, from Holyoke decided to take action in her own community.
Allen and her mother, Jennifer, transformed what was once a ‘Little Library’ on the side of the road into an accessible food bank for the Holyoke community. “No matter how much money you have, you deserve food,” Allen said. “People always should have access to something to eat.”
After thousands of Massachusetts residents lost their SNAP benefits earlier this month, Allen wanted to help the community she’s grown up in her entire life. “It’s nice knowing that people are able to eat even if it’s someone I don’t even know,” she explained. “It’s nice knowing people are able to get a meal.”
When Allen’s mother posted their new food bank to Facebook, the community response was overwhelming. “It was incredibly exciting because my mom posted it on Facebook and we saw that it had like 300 or more likes,” she added. “We were both very excited that the food bank was getting attention.”
The attention has been so significant that they’ve had to restock the food bank several times over the last week. “I made sure to stack the cans up as high as I can, so that way, I can fill it up,” she said.
With the unknown return date for SNAP benefits, Allen said they’re going to continue to help out their community. “I don’t know how long we’re going to do it, but do it as long as people need it,” she noted.
The ‘Little Food Bank’ is located on Jarvis Avenue in Holyoke for those who want to help fill it or need assistance themselves.
November 07, 2025
