In any community, there are those who could use a little extra help, and there are those who are willing to go out of their way to provide that helping hand.
And now, thanks to an organization known as The Little Free Pantry, communities will now have an even easier time lending love and support to their neighbors.
So what exactly is a Little Free Pantry? Just like with the Little Free Library program, folks can stock these mini pantries and others can come take what they need from them anonymously. These pantries can be stocked with everything from canned goods to household products to back-to-school supplies.
And unlike other food pantries, these little structures are always open for business and provide people in need with a bit more privacy.
Scroll through below to see how this incredible program is changing the lives of people around the country, and how these Little Free Pantries are starting to pop up all over!
What do you think of this unique idea? Would you like a Little Free Pantry in your town? Let us know in the comments.
The Little Free Pantry (LFP) is a program that is allowing communities to lend a helping hand to those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to the LFP Facebook page, "Motivated individuals or groups provide small, watertight structures at their site of choice and coordinate stocking however they choose."
While the original Little Free Pantry sprang up in Fayetteville, AR, others are now appearing in towns all across America.
And each community can set their own rules for keeping the box stocked, with the common goal of helping less-fortunate friends and neighbors.
And while many of the pantries will hold nonperishable food, they also can be stocked with personal care items or even school supplies.
The LFP Facebook page reads, "Open on nights and weekends, no questions asked, The Little Free Pantry fills gaps in service provided by organizations with operating hours and/or requiring paperwork/documentation.
"It also encourages community and love for [neighbors]."
While many of the mini pantries are community created, some religious organizations have even jumped in on the action.
For example, the Crystal Rock Cathedral in Ardmore, OK, has been inspired to create their own version known as a "Blessing Box."
One parishioner writes on Facebook that their members "are thrilled to participate and [to] begin to put items in the box."
For those wondering how they can help, if there are little pantries in their communities, they can buy a couple extra items from the grocery store and put them inside.
But for those who don't live near a Little Free Pantry, why not start your very own?
According to the LFP website, "Feel free to replicate the original design, [or] build a structure suited to your aesthetic preference and needs. Googling 'Little Free Library plans' yields lots of content, including specs."
This brilliant idea is opening hearts and changing lives while making communities around the country even stronger!
What do you think of this idea for helping your neighbors? Would you like a Little Free Pantry in your town? Let us know in the comments.
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