Generously Sponsored by Marilyn and Jack Pechter

Who is The Charlie Fund Little Free Pantry for?

These pantries are for those who are in need or want and/or need to give. LFP is for those not easily able to meet everyday food and personal needs.

How does Little Free Pantry differ from other food pantries?

The pantry is small, limiting its quantity and variety. Bricks-and-mortar food pantries are better at meeting need on a larger scale, however some fall through the cracks. The Charlie Fund Little Free Pantry is a safety net or supplement. Whether giving or taking, everyone approaches the pantry the same way, avoiding the shame that accompanies need. The pantries are a centrally-located reminder of your neighbors’ need that creates neighborhood awareness for exercising compassion, trust, and mutual aid.

How do you start a Charlie Fund Little Free Pantry?

Safety first! The location should be safe, away from high traffic/high crime areas.
Second, the location should be accessible by car with little impact on local traffic but clear of easements and aprons between the sidewalk and the street.
Third, determine whether private property or public property best suits your vision. Then, identify more than one location; your first choice may fall through. If a potential location is residential, determine whether neighbors will be supportive. Will increased traffic be viewed as a nuisance or an invasion of privacy?
Fourth, follow appropriate channels to obtain permission and/or a permit
Finally, if your Summers are hot, position North or East-facing.

How do you build a Little Free Pantry?

Feel free to replicate the original Little Free Pantries pilot. Or build a structure suited to your aesthetic preference and needs. Google can be your best friend, googling ``Little Free Library plans`` yields lots of content, including specs. If your LFP will be on another's property, share your plans with the property owner for his or her approval.

How do I stock the Charlie Fund Little Free Pantry?

The original LFP was stocked organically. We follow that method. Those who wish to contribute may do so at their discretion when convenient. Demand outpaces supply, so the LFP is often empty. However, empty shelves are problematic only if no one is contributing. At that point, you might want to organize a group of friends, neighbors, co-workers, faith based organizations to do a food collection. Please note that irregular supply is an effective control keeping both consumption and traffic manageable. Irregular supply minimizes loitering as well.
Click here for a basic donation list of items

How You Can Help:

Filling a Pantry is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Purchase non-perishables from the grocery store on your next trip or go through your pantry and find any unopened foods that you want to donate
2. Stop by one of the pantries – any day, any time
3. Pull into a safe parking spot and fill the pantry.

If the pantry is already full or if it’s easier for you, food may be dropped off at B’nai Torah Congregation.

You can also order non-perishables (click here for a full list) and have them delivered to B’nai Torah attention Summer Faerman.

You can also make a donation to the Little Free Food Pantry by clicking the button below.

Click Here to Support TLC Little Free Pantry

Little Free Pantry Locations:

Is your Organization in need of a Pantry?

Click the button below to submit your request!

Click Here to Request a Pantry

DIY TO GIVE BACK!

Check out  for detailed instructions on how to put your love for helping the community, building, and painting skills to use!

CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS

Will you be allowed to duplicate The Charlie Fund Little Free Pantry project where you live?

Municipal building codes and zoning laws vary from location to location. Follow appropriate channels to obtain permission and/or a permit if necessary. Also, neighborhood support for the project prior to implementation and a good location will help avoid complaint.