When Ana Patricia Non — more widely known as Patreng — set up the first community pantry in 2021, she never imagined the movement would still be needed years later. Community pantry began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Non and a small group of volunteers gathered food and essentials for neighbors who had lost jobs and access to basic support. Today, it’s supporting Filipinos battered by an oil crisis that threatens livelihoods.

The community pantry movement

In a video she recently posted, Non said Community Pantries were built on a simple principle: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” Back in 2021, her initiative quickly spread across the country. Non stresses that it was a community effort, a movement powered not by politicians or celebrities but by ordinary Filipinos helping one another.

Over the years, community pantries have reemerged across the Philippines in response to fires, typhoons, and other local crises. It has become a symbol of grassroots solidarity in times of need.

Helping transport workers in the middle of an oil crisis

Five years later, the movement is now responding to a different challenge. Non and fellow volunteers have shifted their focus to helping transport workers, the drivers and delivery riders are struggling with rising fuel costs linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. She has set up her community pantry in Maginhawa corner Magiting Street, Quezon City.

While she finds fulfillment in continuing to help, Non admits feeling a deep frustration that such efforts are still necessary.

“Masaya siya kasi may community pantry, pero ang una kong naramdaman ay, hala, after five years, ganito pa rin? Mahirap pa rin, kailangan pa rin natin mag-rely sa isa’t isa,” she said.

Despite this, Non says the movement’s greatest reassurance is knowing she is not alone. “Pero ang reassurance ay never akong mag-isa kasi maraming community pantries, hindi lang sa Manila kundi sa buong Pilipinas,” she added.

How to donate to community pantries?

Each community pantry has different protocols but for Non’s pantry in Maginhawa, she does not accept financial support. Instead, she’s encouraging those who want to donate to just bring goods they have extra. Especially main ingredients like sayote, ampalaya, etc.

If you don’t live near Quezon City, you can look up if there are community pantries near you and send them a message via proper channels to see how you can donate.

Some other active community pantries can be found in Matalino St. corner Masikap Ext., Quezon City, Abiertas Radiance School Inc. along Bobby Serrano Avenue in Quezon City, and Biga, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

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