Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
With the recent downturn of the economy, the population of Tucker’s homeless and neighbors in need has increased. While there are programs to provided aid and assistance for rent and utility bills, sometimes a little more help is needed. In times like these, charitable organizations have even more need of donations, and as we head into the holidays, the needs and asks are increasing.
Tucker is blessed to have charities like the NETWorks Cooperative and Omega Support Services that provide food on an emergency basis, short term financial assistance, and most importantly classes on finances, resume writing and small business coaching. But there will always be those in need of more. This is where our Tucker residents have stepped up in numerous ways. There are food drives all around Tucker at the schools and local businesses and donations are always welcome at NETWorks, but there is a little group of residents that has chosen to also do more on their own.
In 2020 a local Girl Scout contacted the Parks and Recreation Director of the City of Tucker and asked if she could use the Tucker Recreation Center as a site to build a Little Free Pantry for her Gold Award, which is the highest rank of a Girl Scout. The City excitedly allowed the pantry to be built on the east side of the Tucker Rec Center.
What is a Little Free Pantry? We have all heard of, and have probably either stocked or helped build, a Little Free Library. Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that has a mission to “be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.” They have inspired over 150,000 registered Little Free Libraries across 100+ countries with 70 million books shared annually. The Little Free Pantry movement was inspired by the community success of the Little Free Library and has created a network of Little Free Pantries and Mini Pantries all across the United States. The Mini Pantry at Tucker Recreation Center is registered with the network and has been an incredible boon to the community.
Just a year ago, Lew Nix posted in Tucker’s largest community Facebook Group, Tucker Town Talk, that he had noticed the Little Free Pantry was low on offerings, and he requested help keeping it stocked. With this one post he not only made the community aware of the need but has helped meet this need.
Over the following month there was such interest and so many posts that Tucker residents decided to start a Facebook group to keep each other updated on the pantry’s needs and have a central location for communication. Mr. Nix started The Little Free Kitchen in Tucker on January 6, 2022, and there are 160 members in the public group to date.
Since launching The Little Free Kitchen in Tucker Facebook group, there are almost daily posts updating the group on the level of food available for those in need and posts sharing what items seem to be popular. There is also discussion on how to provide fresh produce and other necessary items like dog food and treats or personal hygiene products. The general feel of the group is upbeat, positive and willing to give. One member, Barbara Bugg, shared, “There is nothing better than to share with those around you.”
Members of the Facebook group also include those that benefit from their neighbors’ generosity. “The amazing generous people who donate to this food kitchen are a huge blessing to my 4 teens and I,” shared one member. “We are always able to find food from veggies, snacks, drinks, fresh fruit, breads, and desserts. Even treats for our fur family too. Thank you all for everything you do!!”
The Little Free Kitchen in Tucker has inspired its own offshoot. The Tucker Lavista Lions Club has partnered with Omega Support services to build their own Little Free Pantry. Omega Support Services accepts donations and replenishes both pantries on a weekly basis.
Tucker has a strong reputation for being a community of support and help. During this holiday season of gratitude and generosity, don’t forget our community partners and food kitchens. Consider joining your friends at The Little Free Kitchen in Tucker.
