Oak Ridge North approves permit for community center, food pantry

“I know community is really important, especially to Oak Ridge North, to have a community center ... which is why we picked this area and why we feel this would be a great start [in] a small community,” Chaudhary said.

Digging deeper

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age as of 2023 in Oak Ridge North was 43 years old. Chaudhary said this median age was the reason why the organization chose the area, especially when Nourishment for the Needy, another nearby faith-based food pantry based in Montgomery County, is closed. The center would be open Mondays and Wednesdays, she said.

“We do work with the Nourishment for the Needy and the Montgomery County Food Bank that have a need for evening slots,” Chaudhary said.

The pantry will be based on ZIP code, while the center will serve residents of Oak Ridge North, she said.

What’s next

The opening date of the 3,400-square-foot center has not yet been determined, according to discussion at the meeting.