This West Louisville food pantry functions like a small grocery store Share Updated: 7:05 PM EDT Apr 6, 2021 Share Updated: 7:05 PM EDT Apr 6, 2021 Hide Transcript Show Transcript WLKY’S ALEX DURHAM EXPLAINS HOW IT WORKS. ALEX: THE FOOD PANTRY FUNCTIONS LIKE A GROCERY STORE. PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO GO UP AND DOWN THESE AISLES, CHOOSING THE FOODS THEY WANT AND NEED. >> YOU DON’T EAT CERTAIN ITEMS , YOU DON’T EAT GARBANZO BEANS, YOU DON’T EAT BLACK BEANS, WALNUTS, OR FRUIT NUT MIX. NOW YOU PICK WHAT YOU WANT. ALEX: WHETHER IT’S CANNED GOODS, BREAD, OR OTHER STAPLES, THE SISTER VISITOR CENTER FOOD PANTRY GIVES PEOPLE CHOICES. >> JUST BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, THAT DOESN’T MAKE YOU LESS OF A PERSON. ALEX: THE PANTRY IS PART OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LOUISVILLE. AS PANTRY COORDINATOR, MYYA LITTLE CHECKS CLIENTS IN AND ACCOMPANIES THEM AS THEIR OWN PERSONAL SHOPPER. THIS HELPS KEEP TOUCH POINTS LOW DURING THE PANDEMIC. >> THEY LIKE STAPLES. WE JUST RECENTLY GOT FLO UR, CORNMEAL. THEY LIKE MACARONI AND CHEESE. ALEX: CLIENTS RECIEVE TEN POINTS TO SPEND ON CERTAIN ITEMS. ITEMS ON THIS AISLE FROM DARE TO CARE ,AND OTHER AGENICIES ARE -- OTHER AGENCIES, ARE CONSIDERED FREE. >> THOSE ITEMS DON’T HAVE A POINT VALUE. IF YOU CAN USE IT AND YOU CAN CARRY IT, YOU CAN GET IT. ALEX: SHOPPERS GET TEN POINTS EACH MONTH, BUT CAN RETURN FOR FRESH PRODUCE AND BREAD EVERY WEEK. SISTER VISITOR CENTER RECEIVED A $45,000 DOLLAR COMMUNITY GRANT FROM DARE TO CARE TO HELP TRANSFORM THIS SPACE. >> WHEN WE HEARD ABOUT THE PROJECT, THAT THEY WANTED TO DO HERE TO CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE NEEDING FOOD ASSISTANCE, JUMPED RIGHT ON BOARD AND THAT, HOW CAN WE HELP? ALEX: LITTLE SAYS CLIENTS LOVE THE NEW APPROACH AND APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES, FILLING BARE SPOTS IN THEIR PANTRIES AND REFRIGERATORS. >> YOU CAN TELL BY EXPRESSIONS -- THE EXPRESSIONS AND THE LOOK IN THEIR EYES WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT IT, THAT THEY FEEL RESPECTED, DIGNIFIED.