Free food pantry opens at coffee shop in Jones

JONES, Okla. (KFOR) — As SNAP benefits are paused across the country with the federal Government Shutdown still going on, many small businesses are stepping up to help the community by opening food pantries.

The most recent shop to open a pantry is Luxe Coffee Co. in Jones.

"We have both at some point in our life, been there, like most people have. So she was like, 'Hey, this is what we need to do,'" said Amber Carrell, the manager at Luxe Coffee Co.

Luxe Coffee Co. is lending a helping hand to those in need, all from their coffee shop. They're calling it the Luxe Cares Food Pantry.

"When I was pregnant with my son, you know, I was on the state program, and that really helped me because I was so young. So, it just means a lot to be able to provide all of the food and as much as we can," said Kassie Fields, the owner of Luxe Coffee Co.

With snap benefits on pause and many Oklahoma government employees missing paychecks, owner Kassie Fields and manager Amber Carrell said the idea just came naturally.

"We're both blessed enough to have jobs and able to provide for our families. So if we can help with others, we'd love to do it," said Carrell.

Together, they hope it's just another way to help those in a time of uncertainty surrounding food. The pantry is open every day and is available to anyone.

"I feel like these small communities, they always come together in a time of need. And so that's kind of I just want people to know that we're here and, you know, just come in, grab what you need," said Fields.

Luxe Coffee Co. is open near the corner of North Hiawassee and Britton in Jones.

In addition to the new food pantry, the Jones Elementary School is hosting its annual food drive for the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center.

If you'd like to drop off a donation for that organization, you can bring them to the elementary school.

If you'd like to help out Luxe Coffee Co. with donations, you can drop them off at their coffee shop. For more information, go to their Facebook Page.