During a recent public meeting in Dunedin, community members gathered to discuss various local initiatives, with a significant focus on addressing food insecurity and the need for hygiene products among vulnerable populations.

The meeting opened with a call for parents to engage with Dunedin Middle School's historical project by sharing photographs on the city's Facebook page, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preserving local history. The atmosphere was described as hopeful, particularly with the presence of children, which was noted as a source of optimism for the community.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by April Jenkins, a local resident and public policy student, who shared her capstone project aimed at tackling food insecurity through the provision of hygiene supplies at the Dunedin Cares Food Pantry. Jenkins recounted her experience visiting the pantry, where she observed elderly individuals in need of incontinence products, which sparked a shift in her project focus.

She revealed that many seniors face significant financial burdens, with insurance often failing to cover necessary hygiene products, leading to difficult choices between essential needs like food and medical supplies. Jenkins' project aims to raise awareness about the demand for these items and to establish a sustainable supply chain through local businesses, sponsorships, or grants.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for citizen input, highlighting the importance of community voices in shaping local policies and initiatives. Jenkins' initiative reflects a growing recognition of the multifaceted nature of food insecurity, extending beyond mere access to food to include essential hygiene products that many overlook.