https://www.reddit.com/r/Anarchism/comments/1j7igvq/community_pantry/
created by rememberthechildren on 09/03/2025 at 21:40 UTC
26 upvotes, 5 top-level comments (showing 5)
I was hoping to start a little community pantry in my area. I own a free-standing garage directly across from the elementary school. Using an old cupboard and a fridge (drawing power from the garage) I’d be able to stock quite a few food items and toiletries in front of the garage, along with food from my garden (I always plant wayyy too much).
However, our town is small. We have about 1500 people, but have about 1000 k-12 school kids from local towns (rural area). I’ve brought my desire to do this up to a couple family members, and they’re saying it’s not worth the effort for such a small area and no one will use it. I hoped maybe parents picking up their kiddos would take advantage of the free items.
Anyways, should I go through the effort? Or find another way to give back? I really wanted to do this, but I’m feeling pretty discouraged.
Comment by marxistghostboi at 09/03/2025 at 22:35 UTC
8 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I think you should do it but I think it would be worth it to figure out whose likely to use it so you know under what conditions it's likely to be useful
Comment by ftpdistro1312 at 09/03/2025 at 23:23 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Hard times are about to hit. Anyone who thinks that people won't use it is in denial lol.
Go for it even if it fails. You only learn by doing
Comment by AKFRU at 09/03/2025 at 22:46 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I say you do it. We have one in a relatively poor area and the food supplies gets emptied within a few hours of getting stocked. Sanitary products last a bit longer, but go pretty quickly too.
I would make sure it's visible for people going to the school. If any kids have families struggling, they would make use of it and it would help the school, kids that aren't hungry are much easier to teach. You could also encourage others to put stuff in the pantry too. We have something like 'Take what you need, leave what you can' written on ours.
Comment by redwolfshoes at 10/03/2025 at 00:26 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Fuck that shit. Do it. Feed your community if you want to. Also, check out little free pantries, they’re pretty neat.
Comment by NecessaryBorn5543 at 10/03/2025 at 04:15 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
i’d say try it out and see. you can always stop.