Little Free Pantry
Food insecurity has been a pressing problem across the United States and all over Alabama for decades. Recent rises in food prices have only exacerbated the issue; as the cost to feed ourselves inches upward, so too does the number of people finding themselves without access to enough nutritious food. One solution to address food insecurity is the mini pantry movement, a now-global initiative that began when one lady saw her neighbors struggling and took action to help.
In 2016, in Arkansas, the founder of the Little Free Pantry project took a big idea and executed it in a small way, choosing a hyper-local approach. Inspired by the cheery wooden boxes of Little Free Libraries that contain books for folks to share, she affixed a box to a wooden pole in her community, and filled it with food and personal hygiene items. Anyone who needed something in that first Little Free Pantry was encouraged to take it. And those who had a bit more than they needed were encouraged to leave something in the box.
Today, the Little Free Pantry project is huge but remains true to its grassroots; it’s not a formal nonprofit. It’s still just neighbors helping neighbors. But it’s growing to impact neighborhoods across America. LFP’s current map shows more than 2,300 locations. And multiple other organizations are duplicating the program (which LFP is happy about), representing thousands more mini pantries in place around the country. Anyone can access a LFP box and take what they need, no cost and no questions. People can and do donate, and it’s just as simple. Just leave what you can in a LFP box.
Lita Chatham, assistant director of The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Division, said she and her colleagues were excited to learn about LFPs in the state and are hoping to spread awareness of this community-based effort to provide food to those in need. “Whether they are trying to make it to the next paycheck or looking to supplement what they’re able to afford, there are people in every community that just need a little help. Fortunately, those who are willing to lend a helping hand can do so easily by leaving items inside a Little Free Pantry for others to take what they need.,” she said. “We love to see communities working together to support one another, so, we’re happy to help get the word out.”
Food insecurity affects the physical and mental well-being of people of all ages in our state. Individuals who are food insecure are also more likely to develop and have difficulty managing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes. If you struggle to have enough food for yourself and your family, or struggle to afford nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, you are not alone and there are resources that may be able to help. Visit littlefreepantry.org to find a LFP near you or visit our website at alabamapublichealth.gov/npa for information on additional resources. Also, check out this list of suggestions on what to donate to a LFP. Non-food items such as toiletries, hand sanitizer, diapers, and baby formula are also welcome and appreciated by many individuals who visit LFPs.
Look for more information on mini pantry efforts in the next issue of JOY magazine and find resources to add a LFP box in your neighborhood, here.