Little Free Pantry Donation Guidance

The Little Free Pantry outside of BHCUMC, by the gate to the playground.

In every location where God has led Incarnation to worship, he has also provided ways to bless our neighors in that location, and Beverley Hills is no exception. BHCUMC maintains a Little Free Pantry outside the church and would welcome additional contributions. Pastor Deborah has mentioned that any items they stock seem to go really quickly. As we begin spending more time at Beverley Hills, we have an opportunity to provide additional items and restock the pantry more frequently.

To get you started, Incarnation member Tami Ritsema has given us some tips. She has helped to stock Little Free Pantries around the area for many years, and here are a few high-level principals to keep in mind:

• Consider purchasing a couple extra items to donate to the pantry every time you visit the grocery store

• When you are making purchases, think about "pairing" items.... if you buy pasta, get a jar of sauce. If you buy some toothpaste, get a toothbrush as well

• Beverley Hills is adjacent to a large Latino neighborhood, so food items from the Latino section of the grocery store may be especially welcome (though this need not be exclusive, we can offer a variety!)

• Be mindful of the size of items that you purchase. The Little Free Pantry is not large enough to accommodate many "family-size" products (see the photo above), so please bring items that are more standard sized. Individually wrapped items packaged together that can be separated (i.e. diapers, multi-packs of canned goods, or toiletries) are also fine

• Consider the weather. Any items that may melt, freeze or burst with extremes of heat or cold may not be appropriate all year long, but safe at certain times. 

With these in mind, here are a list of some of the most useful products by category:

• Dry goods: canned meats (ideally not just tuna!), rice and other whole grains, low-sodium canned vegetables, canned refried beans, shelf-stable milk like Parmalat, dry beans (not canned) like black beans, pinto, kidney, etc., vegetable oil, oatmeal, pasta and pasta sauce, soups, sugar and flour, and “just add water" pancake mix

• Individually packaged snacks for which you do not need a can opener: granola bars, protein bars, boxes of raisins, small bags of dried fruit, fruit snacks, juices – these are especially good for people who are unhoused

• Food not requiring kitchen preparation:  nuts and seeds, dried fruits, granola, nut butters, cereal, applesauce, pudding, and jam

• Toiletries: bar soap (highly desired), feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, facial tissue, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen

• Cleaning supplies: dish soap, sponges, laundry detergent, paper towels

• Baby supplies: diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, diaper rash cream

We will have a box in the narthex available to receive donations every week, starting this Sunday! Thank you for helping to care for the neighbors in our newest neighborhood!

Emily