Pair launches Mercy Market to combat food insecurity

  • Victoria LeCroy (left) and Brooke Bango (right) founded the Mercy Market to fight poverty and food insecurities in their community. The market is based on a system of trust, where community members can “leave what they can, take what they need.” (Photo/Adriana Cascio)
    Victoria LeCroy (left) and Brooke Bango (right) founded the Mercy Market to fight poverty and food insecurities in their community. The market is based on a system of trust, where community members can “leave what they can, take what they need.” (Photo/Adriana Cascio)
  • Brooke Bango showcases the items inside of the Mercy Market (left) outside of Unity Baptist Church on Highway 17 in Royston. Anything including food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, pet food and toiletries is available for donation, with the exception of razors. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)
    Brooke Bango showcases the items inside of the Mercy Market (left) outside of Unity Baptist Church on Highway 17 in Royston. Anything including food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, pet food and toiletries is available for donation, with the exception of razors. (Photo/Adriana Cascio)

    Since February 2025, Mercy Market, a local food pantry, has been helping alleviate food insecurities in the community thanks to a partnership between best friends Victoria LeCroy, 28, and Brooke Bango…