A Woman Builds Little Street Pantry to Give Free Food & Goodies to the Needy

It started with Little Free Libraries, now it gave birth to Little Street Pantry, a small storage in the middle of the streets full of food and other goodies for the needy. Jessica Mcclard was fascinated with the idea of the free books scattered around the area and so, she came up with a concept of creating a small food cupboard in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Thrivent Financial supported Mcclard’s project by giving her an initial $250 to build her very first free pantry near to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Fortunately, the project became a huge success. It now has thousands of fans on Facebook and has been an inspiration to many to do the same type of kindness in South Fayetteville and Ardmore, Oklahoma.

“My feeling is little free structures both create space for neighborliness and address social problems.”

Doing an act of kindness with Little Street Pantry is too simple. Anyone can take anything they want from the storeroom and anyone can put any kinds of goodies for everyone.

“Books nourish. Food nourishes.”

And the results of the project are stunning. Mcclard sees a quick turnover of basic necessities, foods, toiletries and other items in the small pantry.

Peanut butter and jelly, feminine hygiene products and diapers are in demand.

Mcclard even told Huffington Post that bread and vegetables are some of the most sought after products from the little cupboard.

And as the box full of goods is also near an elementary school, Mcclard also loves to stock it with other things kids surely love, like crayons, papers and much more.

“On the last day before summer vacation, I tied balloons to the top and stocked the box with bubbles, jump ropes and candy necklaces.”

The Little Free Pantry group praying for their project

“I encourage people to [build their own pantries]. They’ll be amazed at how much more the project gives back than they give to it.”

Want to do a little act of kindness? Be Little Pantry’s partner today — click here.