Going Hyperlocal With Little Free Pantries

In this Podcast we discuss the idea of the Little Free Pantry.

The Little Free Pantry is a grassroots project applying the Little Free Library concept to address hyperlocal food insecurity. Motivated individuals or groups provide small, watertight structures at their site of choice and coordinate stocking however they choose

Individuals and groups may provide direct support to The Little Free Pantry project in two ways. Purchase items when grocery shopping, find a location, and place items inside. Or start your own Little Free Pantry!

The original Little Free Pantry was conceptualised and piloted by Jessica McClard in the USA. An avid reader and runner, she browsed Little Free Libraries popping up along her run route and became intrigued by the concept and the fact it had become viral. Conceptually, Jessica believes “Little Free” structures speak to people because they create space for community, enhancing quality of life for neighbours, while also facilitating manageable, direct action toward intractable issues—literacy and food insecurity.

Jessica with be joined by Lara Mackie who has developed this idea in Southend and Maria Lee who has done the same in Chelmsford.