What is a Little Free Food Pantry?

Food insecurity sadly affects our community. A Little Free Food Pantry is a community-driven/mutual aid stopgap meant to supply those in need 24-7, with no access barriers. It’s different from a regular food pantry or food bank in that it’s meant to meet some immediate needs.

Where is the Library’s Little Free Food Pantry?

Centralia Library’s Little Free Food Pantry is located on the parking lot side of the building, against the outside wall. You can access it 24/7, even when the Library is closed.

Who can use the Little Free Food Pantry?

Anyone! Whether passing through or a long-time part of the local community, everyone is welcome to give what they can and take what they need.

How can I donate to the Little Free Food Pantry?

There are multiple ways to donate to the Little Free Food Pantry:

– Put items directly into the pantry

– Bring items into the library for staff to add to the library’s reserves

– Put cash donations into the designated container at the front desk

– Donate by credit/debit card at the front desk

– Donate by credit/debit card through the library’s webpage. Click on Online Payment and Donations, use the Gift & Memorial Donation option and type ‘food pantry’ in the Donor box.

– Mail a check to Centralia Regional Library, 515 East Broadway, Centralia IL 62801. Be sure to write food pantry on your check.

What can I put in the Little Free Food Pantry?

We accept anything that has not been opened and is not expired or perishable (please do not put in foods that need refrigeration; if you are looking to donate refrigerated foods or are in need of some, check out this list of larger food pantries).

Many people need ready-to-eat foods, especially if they don’t have access to cooking utensils or appliances, so consider putting in items like granola bars and cans with pop-tops that don’t need can openers. If what you put in can attract ants, like individual boxes of raisins or candy, please put it in a sealed bag first.

While it’s called a Little Free Food Pantry, hygiene and paper products are welcome too! These can be things like diapers, menstruation products, deodorant, toothpaste, and toilet paper, as long as they are sealed and can fit inside the pantry. Please do not leave anything outside the pantry-–bring bulk items inside to library staff and we’ll portion out items a little at a time.

We do not accept any clothing items in the Pantry due to the risk of insects like lice and bedbugs. Please do not place any clothing, bags, purses, blankets, accessories, etc. in the pantry. We only accept food, paper, and hygiene items (see above). The Southern Illinois Dream Center is a safer place to donate these types of items.

Can people take several items from the Little Free Food Pantry?

Yes! If a person needs many things from the Little Pantry, they are more than welcome to have them. It’s meant for anyone to use, judgment-free. If you see that the pantry is low on stock or completely empty, please contribute if you’re able! Let’s continue doing our best to help each other out.

Got a question we haven’t answered here?

Send it to us on Facebook Messenger or email us at cenlib@centralia.lib.il.us.

 

Updated 12/19/2023