The Pantry movement is a collective solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, Food Pantries help feed neighbors, and nourish neighborhoods. 

Jessica McClard launched the Pantry movement in May 2016 in Fayetteville, AR, when she planted the Pantry Pilot, a wooden box on a post containing food, personal care, and paper items accessible to everyone all the time, no questions asked. She hoped her spin on the Free Library would pique local awareness of food insecurity while creating a space for neighbors to help meet neighborhood food needs.

A little over a month later, CrystalRock Cathedral Women’s Ministries planted Blessing Box in Ardmore, OK. By August 2016, the movement was global. Throughout the US and internationally, the pantry movement continues growing and moving. 

The Pantry is for those who want and/or need to give. The Pantry is for those not easily able to meet everyday food and personal needs. The Pantry is for a hungry kid after school or a home cook who forgot to buy something. The Pantry is for everyone.

The Pantry is a reminder of our neighbors’ need that creates neighborhood space for exercising compassion, trust, and mutual aid. Community members are encouraged to keep the pantries stocked by leaving canned or dry foods and other supplies for others to take when needed.

One of the advantages of contributing to a neighborhood Pantry is that, unlike food banks and larger pantries, the donations in the boxes are always available. If someone is in a bind and they need something, and a food pantry is closed, this can fill in the gaps of when they’re not able to make it to one of the bigger food pantries. In addition to being open 24/7, there are also no limits or restrictions on how much people can take if they need extra food. And it’s an anonymous access point, so anyone can come and get food.

Food Pantries are a place people can go when they can’t go somewhere else.

Food
Peanut Butter
Cans – fruit/veggies/protein/soup
Can meat – tuna/chicken/ham/etc
Dried fruit
Rice
Add water mixes – muffins/biscuits/pancakes/corn bread
Beans – pinto/black/cannellini
Boxed entrees – Mac & cheese/chili/stew/add water meals
Instant sides – rice/pasta/potatoes
Granola bars
Dry pasta
Crackers
Cereal
Coffee/tea/bottled water

Personal Needs
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper
Bards of Soap

Please Do NOT Leave the following items:
Used or opened goods
Rusty canned food
Expired food
Food prepared at home
Sharps (razors/knives)
Harsh chemicals (bleach, household cleaning supplies)