A group of people in Franklin County wanted to help feed the homeless, and they found a unique way to reach people in need.
This spring, three “Little Free Food” pantries popped up in Washington, Missouri. The program is sponsored by the Franklin County Homeless Task Force, and led by volunteer Jane Maune.
“We stock it, and it’s open 24 hours a day. Everything is accessible to anyone who needs emergency food supplies or hygiene products,” Maune said.
“We gear to the homeless, as well people who have a hard time making ends meet as well as need a little extra food for the day.”
Similar to the idea behind Little Free Libraries, the food pantries hold a small inventory but a person in need is likely to find something they can use.
Maune and her daughter got the idea online, after learning other cities installed similar pantries.
Already, she’s seeing results.
“We have been approached by several homeless people while were stocking them, and they were so very thankful for the goods,” she said.
The Franklin County Homeless Task Force launched a few years ago to better connect the county’s homeless population with services. Lindsey Jasper is leading that effort, and say the need is different in more rural communities.
“It’s not somebody just sleeping under a bridge, although we have at times, someone sleeping under a bridge or sleeping in their car or at parks,” she said.
“A lot of what it looks like too is people just doubled up. They don't have a place to live, they’ve lost their homes so they are just living with other relatives.”
Last year, the task force held a county-wide drive for hygiene products. They also participated in a Point-In-Time county, to get an estimate on the number of people in need.
Jasper said the Little Free Food Pantries allow people to discreetly get items they need.
“What’s nice is, there [aren’t] a lot of questions asked. I think that lets people feel comfortable who normally might feel embarrassed or worried or might not have the right paperwork or information,” she said.
The pantries rely on donations. To learn more, visit the program’s Facebook page.
