Boy Scout creates micro pantry at Albany temple as part of Eagle Scout project

ALBANY – Amitai Goldmeer has been a Boy Scout for years, earning many badges along the way. Now he’s ready to earn the highest achievement to become an Eagle Scout.

The service project he’s been building since August to receive that honor is finally ready. It’s a micro pantry.

"I thought it was a really good idea, especially during COVID-19," Goldmeer said.

The 17-year-old boy is one of the many whose doing his part to give back during a time of need.

"Food is not always something that is as easy to take for granted as it is for other people."

Just before Thanksgiving, Goldmeer said the micro pantry was placed in the back parking lot of Temple Israel of Albany, at 600 New Scotland Ave.

He does not belong to this synagogue, but knew this would be the best location for it.

"This is right in New Scotland because their roads and busses coming right through, with sidewalks," Goldmeer said.

With the help of the Temple Israel, the micro pantry is packed full of all sorts of non-perishables: beans, soup, macaroni and cheese, and even cake batter.

Now Goldmeer wants people to start utilizing the plentiful stash.

"Really, we’re trying to make people aware of it. They can use it. It’s getting particularly full, but if people don’t know where it is, what it is, to use it, the purpose is lost."

Goldmeer said he is going to add signs at the front of Temple Israel very soon to let people know the micro pantry is available.