Little Free Pantry Checklist
A 24/7 cabinet of food and essentials for your neighbors. Take what you need, leave what you can.
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Phase 1: Setup
Choose a design, find a spot, and gather materials.
Decide: build from scratch ($75-185), repurpose a cabinet ($0-50), or buy pre-made
Browse free plans: LittleFreePantry.org, Ana White, FoodRescueDude EZ-LFP
Pick a location: front yard near sidewalk, church property, community center
Get written permission from the property owner
Check local zoning (most areas allow these with no permit on private property)
Call 811 before digging (free utility line check — critical)
Gather materials: exterior plywood, 4x4 post, hinges, latch, plexiglass, screws
Get exterior paint or sealant and roof shingles or metal flashing
Prepare signage: "Take What You Need, Leave What You Can" + contact info
Consider multilingual signs for your neighborhood
Tell your neighbors what you're doing — advance communication prevents surprises
Create a social media page (Facebook or Instagram) for your pantry
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.
Little Free Pantry Checklist
A 24/7 cabinet of food and essentials for your neighbors. Take what you need, leave what you can.
2
Page 2 of 3
Phase 2: Build & Install
Construct or prep your pantry and set it up.
Build the cabinet: box from plywood, door with plexiglass window, interior shelves
Or prep repurposed furniture: weatherproof paint, add plexiglass, seal gaps
Apply 2 coats exterior paint or sealant (24hr dry time between coats)
Add roof: shingles or metal flashing for weather protection
Dig a 2-foot deep hole at your chosen location
Place cinder block at bottom, set 4x4 post, add 6" gravel, fill with concrete
Use a level to ensure the post is straight — let concrete cure
Mount the pantry cabinet securely on the post
Attach signage: name, motto, accepted items, steward contact info
Stock with initial items: canned goods, pasta, rice, snacks, hygiene products
Include non-food items: soap, toothpaste, diapers, feminine products
Take a photo and post on social media and Nextdoor to announce the launch
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.
Little Free Pantry Checklist
A 24/7 cabinet of food and essentials for your neighbors. Take what you need, leave what you can.
3
Page 3 of 3
Phase 3: Maintain & Grow
Keep it stocked, clean, and connected to your community.
Check the pantry every 1-2 days (15-30 minutes each visit)
Remove expired, damaged, or inappropriate items
Rotate stock: first in, first out
Wipe shelves weekly with hot soapy water
Monthly deep clean: remove everything, sanitize with diluted bleach
Inspect for weather damage — re-seal or re-paint annually
Check for pests: place bay leaves inside (natural moth repellent)
Adjust stocking seasonally (no canned liquids in freezing temps — they explode)
Register on LittleFreePantry.org movement map
Register on freshfoodnetwork.org so neighbors can find it
Post restocking needs on social media ("The pantry could use a refill!")
Recruit 1-2 neighbors as backup stewards so coverage is consistent
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.