So you want to create a 24/7 community pantry? You've come to the right place!

A community pantry is an unattended location in your immediate vicinity for neighbors to share nonperishable food they can spare and for neighbors to take food that they need. It can also become a community landmark or center. It's a very simple approach to providing mutual aid to our neighbors!

Community pantry by Queens Public Library in Sunnyside

STEP 1: Find a spot

Pick a location that is:

• Out of the way, and not directly in a heavily-trafficked area, in order to allow people to take food with dignity and without shame
• But also not so hidden that no one can find it
• Sheltered from the rain/snow
• Somewhere that you can check on it several times a week
• Not likely to cause the pantry to be removed. This means that, if it's in front of a business or building, you may want to inform the business or landlord and request that they not remove the pantry. But if it's a public space or somewhere you think is safe from removal, then carry on!
• Not too close to an existing community pantry! Please reach out to us ([email protected]), and we can let you know if there are any pantries nearby

STEP 2: Furniture

You will want something basic to house the food. We suggest a bookshelf. The best place to find one is on the street before garbage pickup! A walk through the neighborhood on a trash day is sure to uncover something simple that someone is tossing. You could also try Craigslist or a "Buy Nothing" group (Sunnyside group here and Woodside group here).

STEP 3: Signage

You'll need a couple basic messages communicated in signs (we recommend including as many language translations as possible - we can help you!):

• Free Food // Alimentos gratis
• Take what you need, Leave what you can // Toma lo que necesitas, deja lo que puedas
• Please only packaged, non-perishable food // Por favor, solo alimentos envasados y no perecederos
• A mutual aid poster: https://bit.ly/sunnywoodposters

Please let us know if you create some signage that you'd like to share with us! It would be great to be able to have something that everyone can use for their community pantries. If you need access to a printer, SWMA can help you find one.