In an effort to help neighbors in need Clear Lake’s Little Free Pantries have been stocked and restocked, but with the bitter cold that has settled over the area Cassidy Flory, of Cerro Gordo Public Health, said there has been a tremendous response, but still more is needed.
The mini pantry movement was launched by Jessica McClard in May 2016 in Fayetteville, Ark., when she planted the first Little Free Pantry (LFP), a wooden box on a post containing food, personal care, and paper items accessible to everyone all the time, no questions asked. McClard hoped that her little box, a spin on The Little Free Library concept, would draw local awareness to the food insecurity problem and create a way for neighbors to help meet those food needs.
By August 2016 the movement was global and it continues to grow. In Cerro Gordo County the LFP program is overseen by the North Iowa Mutual Aid Board. Flory, who is also a NI Mutual Aid board member, said the county-wide program got a kick start several years ago when the Globe Gazette donated 38 of their old newspaper stands to be utilized for food supplies.
“We try to check them at least once a week,” Flory said, “…making sure there is no canned food that has exploded and there are no inappropriate items.” But there was another thing she noticed – the LFPs across Cerro Gordo County are getting extremely low or empty.
She said the greatest needs right now are Mittens/hats/winter weather gear, hand warmers, blankets, grab & go items like peanut butter or cheese cracker packs, granola bars, applesauce cups, canned food with pull tab lids and chapstick. “With this bitter cold, mittens, hats, and blankets are badly needed. The things you take for granted,” Flory said.
Her recent request post was shared on the Clear Laker’s Facebook page and Flory said she did see an immediate response, noting that a few of the boxes were quite full. However, in this cold the LFPs empty out almost as quickly as they’re filled.
In Clear Lake Little Free Pantries are located:
• In front of the S. Shore Donut Co., 1205 S. Shore Drive
• Outside the south gate of Central Gardens of North Iowa, 200 block of N. 9th St.
• The corner of N. 10th St. and 14th Ave. N.
“This is not a one time thing, more is needed, especially with it being so cold out,” Flory said.
