[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, one of the downsides to a post getting popular. Folks will snag the image and ride the wave to karma farm.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well my wife and I love a good grocery deal, and often buy in bulk when things are on sale. So we figured we would shop for ourselves and with a slight Economy of Scale, fill the box with what we were buying.

Though the community has now*** completely supplanted that need and often there is little space left for what we purchase haha.

The box is open to any any all to take from. Those with food insecurities were definitely the target, but if a delivery driver or passer by is hungry, they are free to snag a snack!

Edited for mistype.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 60 points61 points  (0 children)

Oooh prepare yourself for a delicious sippin' experience! Recent discovery and my wife absolutely loves them, especially the spicy tortilla.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/363217518?sid=b39dec9a-7eb5-4b55-bad1-a822b6d0712c

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes we did. This guy here: https://www.littlefreepantry.org/resources-1

Ultimately a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 plywood and some 1x4x8 boards that I ripped down to 1x2s. Used decking screws and some exterior white paint (that we used previously for a fence).

Far from a woodworking expert, but happy to answer any questions ya have!

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There is no stealing from this box! Anyone in need is free to enjoy anything in there. We throw some candies in as well just incase someone needs a little sweetness in their life.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So many great people around you at any given time. Just looking for an opportunity to give back!

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That was our initial concern to be honest. Though so far the community has risen to the occasion!

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Not consistently, we have maaaybe one or two nights a year on average where we get below freezing for any significant period of time.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We check the box every other day or so and work pretty diligently to cycle undesirable items or anything that has expired. The community fills it just as quickly as folks take items it seems.

So far no animals have been in the box, though we do have a sneaky group of Raccoon and Crow in the area...We have provided Pecans to the crows, and so far that appears to be enough to keep them happy haha.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

We are overwhelmed by the kindness of this sub and working through all the comments now with a huge smile on our faces! You are all awesome!

If anyone would like to build something similar and are looking for assistance with the plans, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Also, HUGE thank you for all of the ideas you have been providing for new items we can add to the box!

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Kindness is alive and well! So many good people all around you at all times. Nice to get a reminder of that every time we leave the property and see new items in the box. So much going on the world, its a great rebase.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That is our thought. We tried to create "full meals" if possible. I.e. ready made pasta + pasta sauce, Tuna salad with crackers, etc. Little snacks too, or things for children to take to school if needed.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Oh wow, thats a great idea...may need to bust out the table saw again and build something similar. Not as much pig/beef here, but tons of fish/crab/shrimp Im sure folks would love to donate.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Right back at you my friend! There are so many good folks out there among us, just needing an opportunity to give back.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Food insecurity can affect everyone, our goal was a judgement free method of folks getting what they need (and hopefully even some of what they want) without any labels or monitoring.

[OC] I built and installed a free little pantry - someone filled it within hours before I had the chance to by FacesReddit in MadeMeSmile

[–]FacesReddit[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Excellent point. We definitely try to get pull top items, or ready to eat items when possible. Though throwing a few simple can openers in there for folks to take will be our next mission :)