Our View: Little Free Pantry filled with hope - Post-Bulletin

Claire Buss' mission should be embraced by communities throughout Southeast Minnesota.

The Rochester woman is working to implement the first Little Free Pantry in two weeks outside Forager Brewery, aiming to provide a source of non-perishable food and household goods, including toothpaste, garbage bags, deodorant and toilet paper, for those in need.

Taking the lead from the Little Free Library movement that has sprouted up in front yards throughout the region and country, the pantry version aims to tackle a growing need — food insecurity.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly one in 10 Minnesota households are food insecure, meaning they don't have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food.

Southeast Minnesota is included in that count. Too many area residents are unsure where their next meals are coming from. Thankfully, we have Channel One Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Community Food Response and similar efforts to provide for the bulk of those needing food.

Yet, there are those among us who struggle with accessing such programs. Either they are physically unable to reach them or may not know where to turn with last-minute needs.

It's those people who we expect the Little Free Pantry concept will help from the start, but we see the benefits digging deeper into the community.

Like the libraries that came before them, we see Little Free Pantries as providing an opportunity to educate the community. As people see items come and go from the pantry outside Forager, hopefully their eyes will be opened to the need, prompting them to help, whether by filling a little pantry or giving to a larger agency.

We also see a benefit for partnerships with food shelves and other organizations helping those who may struggle to find their next meal. In addition to offering food and other staples of daily living, the pantries can be equipped with information, pointing the way to better-stocked resources and services aimed at fighting poverty.

There are those who may be skeptical of an honor system when it comes to providing pantry items, but Buss' early efforts show some community members are ready to embrace the idea, and we anticipate more will sign on quickly, potentially making her goal or four to five pantries in the city by April a reality.

It's small efforts like these can grow and fill gaps in our communities, as well as build new partnerships that strengthen existing efforts,

While Buss' goal is to fill little panties, her mission is already filled with overflowing potential.

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