The Little Free Pantry

Created by Jessica McCarland, Little Free Pantry in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a low-cost, direct-action approach to fighting food insecurity by allowing people in Jessica’s neighborhood to share surplus food and household goods. After a short article on the pantry spread through social networks, the idea inspired other neighborhoods to start their own Little Free Pantries. While global issues can feel overwhelming, being able to take these small steps to improve the world around us can be a welcome respite. In this interview, Jessica shares why she thinks people are so drawn to the Little Free Pantry idea, some challenges that have come up in her journey, and where she hopes this movement will go.