That agreement — proposed for 25 years with 10-year renewable options — will still have to come before city council for approval, according to City Manager Doug Elliott.
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The pantry, which opened in July 2007, is currently located in a building owned by St. Mary Church on the grounds of Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The location was only intended to be temporary, and use of the building has been provided for 10 years at $1 per year rent.
Operation of the pantry has been growing every year and last year saw food donations pass the 100,000-pound mark for the first time, according to Oxford Community Choice Pantry leaders.
“St. Mary’s has been very generous,” said council member Edna Southard who also serves as president of the pantry’s board of directors, but “it was never intended to be long-term.”
The new site, located in Merry Day Park, is good for a variety of reasons, including being near many people who use the pantry and live along College Corner Pike, she said.
“We do have larger needs, but the larger space depends on the funds raised,” Southard said.
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Elliott said the proposed new building would be used for the collection, storage and distribution of food items.
“If the structure is no longer utilized by the Oxford Community Choice Pantry, ownership would revert to the City of Oxford,” Elliott said.
The Merry Day Park land had been given to the city by the former owners of the mobile home park to be used for public purpose, according to Elliott.
There is currently a baseball backstop and picnic shelter on the land as well was a large open field.
“It is a public park, but this is a public use,” Elliott said.
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Several pantry board members and supporters spoke at the May 2 council meeting in support of the resolution, emphasizing the need for a new facility and more space.
“Location is crucial to the use of, and satisfaction with, the shopping experience,” Pantry board member Ann Fuehrer told city council. “Two-thirds are within walking distance. Merry Day Park is an important location. Location could affect the ability to use the pantry.”
Fuehrer added that more space would also allow the pantry to offer other services consistent with its mission, such as nutrition classes.
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