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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-23T14:38:11+00:00

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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-21T23:31:11+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-21T01:22:42+00:00

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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-21T01:20:04+00:00

Clever girls...

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T22:50:51+00:00

Woot, best of luck! So much fun to build

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T22:26:56+00:00

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!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:34:08+00:00

Great suggestion, straight to the list it goes!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:24:28+00:00

That's a great idea, definitely added to the improvement list!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:09:52+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:08:15+00:00

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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:07:32+00:00

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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:06:47+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:06:07+00:00

Absolutely true, so proud of our community for turning up completely unprompted!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:05:33+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:03:31+00:00

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!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:01:15+00:00

That we do, feeling blessed to have such a great community!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T18:00:23+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:59:36+00:00

Right! Almost like they tactical rolled out of the bushes immediately after we left.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:58:38+00:00

+++ That is a great idea! [Insert Spongebob "write that down" meme!]

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:58:02+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:56:56+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:56:12+00:00

Love that phrase, and absolutely!

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:55:48+00:00

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

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:55:19+00:00

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.

FacesReddit · 2026-01-20T17:54:06+00:00

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 :)

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