DIXFIELD — Justin Richards is building a food pantry as his Eagle Scout project.

The 17-year-old soon-to-be Dirigo High School senior has begun organizing the construction of a 20- by 20-foot, stand-alone food pantry at the rear of the Dixfield Common Baptist Church.

For Linda Hinkley, director of the Dixfield area food pantry, Justin’s project is the answer to a prayer.

“I knew the food pantry needed to be bigger. We need to get more food in here to meet the need,” she said.

The Dixfield-East Dixfield food pantry serves about 75 families, most from the area, and some who use it during emergencies.

The pantry has been housed in the former pastor’s office of the church, with the excess stored in the basement. With the new building, everything will be on one floor and much more accessible.

Justin, his parents, Darlene and Bill, and his grandfather David Berry are members of the church.

“I want to help people who need it,” said Justin, a member of the Boy Scouts for 10 years. He is a part of Troop 544 in Mexico.

Work began last week when Haley Construction of Farmington poured the cement donated by the Mountain View Bible Baptist Church in New Vineyard.

Justin has devoted lots of time to talking with people, gathering money and donated items, and rounding up family, Scouts, church members and friends to help him build the pantry.

His friends at school have volunteered to help build as part of their community service requirement at the high school. A garage that was recently taken down will provide much of the wood needed for the new structure, but paint, roofing, windows, doors and other items, as well as some professional help, are needed.

Anyone willing to help or make a donation is asked to call him at 562-7545. For information on the food pantry, call Hinkley at 562-7470.

Hinkley has placed a donation jar at Ellis Variety on Weld Street to collect donations, as well.

Justin has helped other Scouts in his troop complete their Eagle Scout projects, as well as assisted in local blood drives.

“It gives me a great feeling to help. Scouting is a great organization. I’ve learned so much and done so much,” he said.

When he’s not doing Scouting projects, Justin serves as president of his school’s Future Business Leaders of America organization, plays sax in the high school and jazz band, plays golf and tennis, and has attended many leadership conferences including Boys State from which he returned on Thursday.

He hopes to earn a pharmacy degree after high school.

The food pantry must be completed this summer. In the fall, Justin will enter the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Mass. to undergo a back surgery.

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