Coming Home Magazine

PINCH OF GOODNESS Make a Little Free Pantry happen in six simple steps. Do you love bringing people together, doing DIY projects, or lending a helping hand? If so, starting a Little Free Pantry may be for you. These small, conveniently located structures are filled with crowdsourced, non-perishable goods and other items that any community member can take when needed. Follow these six simple steps to create your own today. Pantry with a Purpose Step 1: Find support. Gauge interest from your neighbors by sharing fliers on bulletin boards, posting on social media and your community website, or chatting one on one. Explain the concept of the pantry and emphasize its positive impact. Invite people to get involved by contributing pantry items, sourcing donations, or helping with construction and maintenance. Step 2: Identify a location. Identify a suitable location for the pantry. Look for a spot that's safe, well-lit, and easily accessible, preferably near a gathering point or in a high foot-traffic area, but not on easements or behind walls. The pantry should face north or east, away from direct sunlight, and be under cover. As always, ask your community's board of directors about any related rules or restrictions, get required permits or approvals, and adhere to guidelines. Step 3: Build your pantry. Often a wooden box with a door, your pantry should be durable and built to last. Make sure it's sealed and sanded to avoid damage, big enough to hold cans and boxes of various sizes, and short enough to accommodate people of different heights. Choose a bright paint color so your structure stands out, and confirm it's clearly labeled. You can find tutorials online to walk you through the process. Step 4: Stock it. Your pantry won't stock itself! Reach out to local businesses, community organizations, grocery stores, and neighbors to request donations. No donation is too small. Ask for: • Non-perishable foods (boxed pasta, canned vegetables, spices) • Hygiene products (toothbrushes, soap, floss) • Household goods (sponges, laundry detergent, wipes) • Baby diapers • Seasonal items (school supplies, holiday décor) Step 5: Spread the word. To guarantee the pantry serves its purpose, raise awareness within the community. Make fliers or posters to educate neighbors about this initiative and indicate the pantry's location. The motto of the Little Free Pantry is "Take what you need. Give what you can." That message should be enough to gain traction, but you might also communicate: • Items currently in stock • Suggested items for donation • Overabundance of certain items Step 6: Maintain. Consider establishing shifts to maintain the pantry so it stays stocked, fresh, clean, and organized. Recruit volunteers to check the pantry on an assigned day and give it some TLC. Encourage residents to leave notes or uplifting messages for pantry users to remind them they have support and a community to lean on. Regularly engage with the neighborhood to get feedback and suggestions to improve the pantry! 30 COMING HOME MAGAZINE

• Cover