Plain Pantry upgrades to new space, providing improved access and service to community

PLAIN —  Plain Pantry, which provides food, clothing and financial assistance to the Plain and Lake Wenatchee area, has moved to a new building.

The pantry will now be located in the Plain Community Church’s former parsonage. The building is on the other side of the church – about 300 feet away from the original pantry location, according to Plain Pantry Directors Mark and Caren Karnofski. The new site will house dried and refrigerated food, household goods and clothing under one roof, which were previously spread across multiple buildings.

“It will be so much easier for our clients to do their shopping and have it right there,” said Caren in a video update.

It will also have a seating area and back up generator to run refrigeration and keep the heat on during the winter. 

“If you’re really cold and the power’s out, we’ll have power,” said Mark.

The pantry has been in a mobile home next to the Plain Community Church for the last 16 years; the building is over 60 years old, and has had its challenges.

“We’ve kept [the rodents] out of the food, so don’t freak out there. But they are always loving in the winter our walls, ceilings et cetera,” said Mark. “Plus, we are always having leaking problems.”

With the help of pre-planning and a crew of volunteers, the pantry was able to move on a Friday and Saturday, ensuring there was no break in service. The new building is situated between nearby parking for easy access and the Wenatchee River.

“We’ll be the only riverfront pantry in Chelan County – that’s one of my big selling points,” joked Mark.

Plain Pantry provides fresh, frozen and non-perishable groceries. It also stocks a limited supply of personal care items and pet food, according to its website. In addition to food, the pantry provides seasonal appropriate clothes and household items for free for those in need. Those in need of financial assistance can also seek out help with things such as rent and utilities at the pantry by filling out an application. 

Plain Pantry has a number of community partners, such as the Pantry Community Garden, AZURE Whole Foods, and Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council, who help supply grocery items. Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue Community Outreach provides a number of services to residents who are aging, disabled or isolated, including delivering food from Plain Pantry. Plain Pantry is also a drop-off point for Winton Manufacturing’s Community Compost Program.

The pantry is open on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plain Pantry is located at 12569 Chapel Drive in Plain.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media