About
The Little Free Food Pantries are modeled after the Little Free Pantry program launched in Fayetteville, Ark., during summer 2016, with the motto "Take what you need, leave what you can." Anyone can leave donations in the pantries, and anyone can take from them.
Student groups, departments, classes, and others are invited to donate to the pantries or "adopt a pantry" for a week.
Pantry Locations:
The pantries on Drake's campus are located in the Olmsted Parking lot and at the Sprout Garden on Carpenter and 30th. For a full list of pantries, visit the Facebook page.
What to Donate?
Non-perishable goods and hygiene products can be left in the pantries. Produce should only be left if there is an external basket for produce outside of the pantry, such as at the Sprout Garden or you think it is shelf-stable for up to a few days. Any homemade goods, unsealed items, or refrigerated products should not be placed in the pantries. As you consider donations, prioritize healthy foods (beans, brown rice, oatmeal, canned tuna, etc.), and consider culturally inclusive food that would appeal to the diversity of our campus and neighborhood, including our refugee and immigrant populations, such as dried rice, beans and lentils. Consider shopping at nearby stores such as Hilal Groceries, Ibrahim Grocery, C-Fresh Market, United Market, and La Tapatia Grocery to diversify the offerings at the pantries. It is a not a bad idea to ask the employees at these stores for suggestions of items to purchase and place in the pantries.
Why is this a need?
Approximately 15% of families in the neighborhood receive Supplemental Nutrition (SNAP) benefits. A local food pantry operated by the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) invites visitors three visits every 30 days. Having a little free pantry located within walking distance could help fill the gap between SNAP assistance and DMARC pantry visits. Additionally, there are no limitations to who can use the little pantries.
History of the Drake Neighborhood Little Free Pantry Project:
The Drake Neighborhood Little Free Pantry Project began with the awarding of a $10,000 Wellmark Foundation Community Kickstarter grant in November of 2016. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters of 2017, Drake LEAD students (Leadership, Education, and Development) researched how to make this project a reality, and installed three Little Free Pantries on Drake's Campus and collaborated with seven other groups in the Drake Neighborhood to host a pantry.