BY MILES LAYTON

PLYMOUTH — The other week, Plymouth Town Council did something inexplicable — set plans in motion to shut down/evict the Plymouth Food Pantry. 

Elections have consequences…

To read our story from last week’s council meeting — click here.

Council’s directive did not offer a timeline or a date for the Food Pantry to vacate, so there may be some wiggle room — maybe, maybe not.  Why is it that government always makes things worse?

Given that the holiday season is around the corner, council’s move to evict the food pantry from town property makes no sense, now or ever.  

Thus, it being a sunny day, I made a stop at the food pantry to find out what’s happening, what’s next. 

Spoke to the Pantry’s Director, Sam Rogers – he’s a good man who has dedicated many decades of his life to serving others through the food pantry. 

“No comment.”

That’s OK and I respect that — the sad situation is still very fragile. Since I hate moron journalists and drive-by media types, I agree with Rogers and didn’t press him for details — it’s probably best not to say anything until the time is right.  

Reached out to Town Hall – spoke briefly with Town Manager Joanne Floyd. I like her – straight shooter.  

Again, I understand — Floyd is right to say, “No comment.” 

Maybe the county can help? No response from County Manager Curtis Potter. He’s a smart man and I trust his judgment.  

Mayor-elect Crystal Davis – please, so as best to serve the community, perhaps allow some time and space to sort through these matters before moving forward with any plans to shut the food pantry’s doors, collect the keys. Maybe, slow walk any move until after the holidays in 2026.

The food pantry serves Christ’s mission to provide for the needy, so I’m cautiously optimistic that the matter can be resolved. 

To make your voices heard, here is council’s contact information — click link.

I know there’s more to the story than what’s being said on the record and in public about why the food pantry is in jeopardy, but let’s look past that – move forward to a solution.  

Here’s what I can tell you – depending on who you talk to, there has not been a lease between Town Hall and the food pantry in many, many years, since at least 1991. Until about a week ago, that didn’t seem to bother past councils or for that matter, anyone, during the past 30+ years.

Knowing more than a little bit about property and contract law, hypothetically, the lack of a lease is a troubling situation for both parties, but it doesn’t mean that an implied contract was not in place – many thoughts, but I’ll leave it at that. 

Perhaps a new lease can be put in place – that’s the smart thing for both parties.    

Speaking of council – this was a weird quote from Councilman John Tharps, who joined Davis and Councilwoman Donsenia Teel in voting to evict the food pantry. 

“I’m 84 (years old) and I’m not hungry, so it doesn’t matter,” Tharp is quoted as saying in the Roanoke Beacon.  

OK….

Well, John, if that’s an accurate quote, and I have no reason to believe it isn’t, let me explain the importance of a food pantry to you.  

Between 80 and at least 100 families rely on that food pantry each week. And the food pantry will serve even more people during the holiday season. 

Having written stories about food pantries for years, I can say without a doubt that it’s an important blessing to many people who find it hard to make ends meet, including my family from time to time, because serving the Lord as a community journalist in a news desert will not make a person rich.  

Councilman Tharps, when I was living in places deep in the heart of Appalachia, much like rural Eastern NC, I saw families – parents who had jobs with small kids – rely on the food pantry to make ends meet because paychecks were unable to keep up with inflation, certainly not during the past four years. Indeed, there was a guy who I helped load a box of food into his truck as I was about to go inside the food pantry and ask questions.

Food boxes from the pantry come with canned goods, cereal, peanuts, and other non-perishable items, maybe some juice, oatmeal, and perhaps some beans – this is good stuff. 

For the time being, the food pantry is open between 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays – not Thursdays. Contact information is on the sign.  

Food pantry is staffed by a dozen or so volunteers who range in age from 28 to 85 years old. They do it for the love of the community – to serve others. That spirit is something that makes small towns like Plymouth a great place to live.    

Food comes from the Food Bank of the Albemarle and local churches. 

Monetary donations are needed – always needed to support the food pantry’s mission. No matter what happens — please donate to the pantry. 

Anyone with news tips can contact me a mileslayton1969@gmail.com