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Little Free Pantries Spread Goodies From Sidewalks, Let Neighbors Pay it Forward

Little Free Pantries Spread Goodies From Sidewalks, Let Neighbors Pay it Forward
These tiny boxes are letting neighbors take care of their own communities – whether crayons, food, toys, diapers, or water, it's all free for the taking.

If you're already a fan of the Little Free Libraries that provide free books to anyone passing by, then get ready for the Little Free Pantry – a project that is erecting tiny boxes stocked with goodies that leave no small impact on neighbors who don't have enough to eat.

The Little Free Pantry project has been giving communities the chance to provide for local people living in poverty, by erecting small cabinets and filling them with food and school supplies, free for the taking.

Even if your neighborhood is not suffering from impoverishment, the pantries can still be used as a method of sharing your surplus with those around you.

Since its first unit was erected by Little Free Pantry founder Jessica McClard in 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, dozens more have been constructed around America by people eager to spread the compassion.

It's such a great idea that it has spawned a spin-off organization known as the Blessing Box—run by a Christian church group and filling their own set of pantries in Ohio.

"How I'd love to have it function is that it would not necessarily be a place for people who are really in need, but just for anyone," Jessica told Shareable. "On the last day of school, I put some bubbles and jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk, and balloons in the pantry. I had to encourage the parents to send their kids there because they didn't think it was for them."

And while regular food kitchens have set hours of operation and requirements, the LFP's accessibility makes it an easy 24/7 fix for anyone nearby.

"I feel that the Pantry could potentially be for everyone. I took something out of it and took it home because I wanted to know what that felt like. It felt really good. It felt like community."

If you want to build your own LFP, you can Google "Little Free Library plans" to find different specifications, measurements, blueprints, and tips. Once you have your pantry at the ready, you can organize a group of friends, family, or church-goers to keep it stocked during the week.

Check out the Little Food Pantry's Facebook page and website to hear about new boxes being erected by generous folks around the world.

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