Local food pantry reopens with fresh look, more space

Mother Hubbard's Cupboard in Bloomington re-opened its doors Jan. 30. After nearly a month of remodeling, the food pantry offers its patrons more than just a new floor plan.\nThe pantry had not been updated since its opening in 1998. According to director Libby Yarnell, the food pantry went from 600 to 1000 square feet. \n"Everything is new," Yarnell said. "We have new electrical work, walls, floor, plumbing, heat and air conditioning." \nThe Perry Township Trustee is responsible for the cost of the pantry's renovation because it owns the property. \n"Each township tends to make efforts annually to improve the service of their vicinity," Yarnell said.\nThe project is part of the renovation of the entire property on 1010 South Walnut Street. Yarnell said that when the job is complete the property will also include four professional offices and a conference room.\n"We will have access to one of those offices and the conference room," she said. "It is a great and convenient addition to this effort." \nYarnell mentioned that she will be using one office to store important files otherwise stored in the pantry. The conference room will be a useful space for budget and annual meetings. \nJenny Stubes, a volunteer at the pantry for two-and-a-half years, said patrons are responding positively to the new look. \n"People do not have to freeze outside anymore," Stubes said. \nBefore the project, patrons would line up outside and wait for their turn to go through the store. Now, there is no wait time. \nPrior to the expansion, cleaning would take up to 45 minutes, but now only takes about 15 minutes.\n"It is bigger and more convenient to clean," said Matt Huang, another volunteer. \nBecause of the new organization, Yarnell has been able to plan future events in a more professional manner. \n"We will be hosting our annual gardening project and also participating in Relay for Life," she said. \nYarnell said she is pleased with the outcome of the project.\n"It just has so much more space," she said. "I am very excited about the increased storage space. The job has made running the store so much easier"