The creator of a community food pantry in Downtown St. John’s is calling the initiative the most important thing he is doing day-to-day.

Joshua Roberts is the owner of the Hip Hop Shop, a non-profit located on Water Street.

Outside the building sits a shelving unit covered with a tarp over it. Inside there’s cans of food, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and more.

Roberts stocks the unit himself, along with other members of the community who donate as well.

He says the pantry has to be restocked daily, noting that all types of people avail of it.

He has seen some seniors and some families, but it has mostly been people of the downtown who are down on their luck. He describes “sheer gratitude and appreciation” from those he has talked to.