LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Basic necessities like food, water and hygiene products are something most people don’t think twice about. But for those without a home or steady income, it can be a constant struggle.
That’s why Michelle Fisher is using her front yard to make those items more accessible to those in need.
What You Need To Know
- Potato’s Pantry is stocked with supplies for both people and their pets
- It’s at the corner of Criterion Drive and Eastern Parkway in Louisville
- Fisher said it’s restocked daily with community donations
- The “take what you need, leave what you can” pantry was created in Dec. 2020
“I’ve always wanted to have my own pantry and in December 2020, I lost two of my pets in a three-day time frame,” Fisher said. “And my friends made this for me as a way to get through my grieving process, and it’s been up ever since.”
In her front yard sits Potato’s Pantry, named in memory of one of her pets, filled with supplies for both people and their pets. Canned food, hygiene products and sometimes pet toys are restocked daily.
“People always ask me if people take everything at one time. I’ve only had it happen a couple of times,” she said. “I think people are just taking out what they need for the day or a couple of days.”
Thanks to donations through her Amazon Wishlist and partnerships with organizations like My Dog Eats First, she’s able to help those who need a little extra help.
Fisher always ensures that feminine hygiene products are well stocked.
Potato’s Panty is just one of many food pantries scattered across Louisville. All have their own caretakers. Fisher said every few months, she’ll go out and fully stock a handful of others’ pantries.
“I wish I could do it more often, but I only have as many resources [as] people are donating to me, which is a lot, so I am happy to share with other pantries,” Fisher said.
One thing that keeps her spirits high is the thank-you notes and pictures she’ll sometimes find when restocking.
“I pretty much walk away crying. They’ll be notes out here, people have left pictures of their pets,’ Fisher said. “I don’t know if it’s a tribute to their pets because they know mine is a tribute or it’s the pets that they are feeding out of the pantry, either way, it’s very touching and very nice to feel that people are grateful and excited about the pantry so it really keeps it going.”
Through something as simple as a roll of toilet paper or a can of cat food, Fisher has found a way to give back in a big way to those in her community.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story included one instance of Michelle Fisher's name incorrectly written as Amanda. That issue has since been corrected.