My favorite thing about sharing these #ServiceSpotlight posts is the opportunity to meet and converse with changemakers around the world. Connecting to Jessica McClard, Founder of Little Free Pantry and Founder/President of Pantry Gift, Inc. was no exception.
Their work to feed neighbors and nourish neighborhoods is nothing short of inspiring. Without further ado, allow me to introduce Jessica.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is.”
Jessica: Happiness is a morning walk in the woods with my daughters and my dog and in the evening a good book to read.
Liz: What is the Little Free Pantry?
Jessica: The Little Free Pantry concept is simple: a container where neighbors donate nonperishable food, hygiene and paper products accessible to other neighbors any time, no questions asked. The mini pantry movement’s unofficial motto is “Give what you can. Take what you need.”
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Jessica: I am driven by curiosity and a love of learning.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Jessica: To me service is noticing and acting on what one notices.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Jessica: Folks can get involved directly by launching a mini pantry in their neighborhood and/or giving to an existing neighborhood mini pantry. Folks whose communities do not host a mini pantry and who are unable to commit to mini pantry stewardship can share about us on social media; Our movement growth is largely because of social sharing!
Follow us: on Facebook; Instagram @littlefreepantry; and Twitter @pantry_little. For more information and to look at the mini map, visit our website.
Liz: Anything else you’d like to add?
Jessica: Mini pantries are low barrier service projects that only improve through iteration; diversity of application makes the concept so much better!
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to leave us with?
"Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can change the world."
-Howard Zinn
