Lincoln’s free little pantries are seeing increased demand, and organizer Michael Reinmiller says keeping them stocked is becoming more difficult.
Reinmiller, who helped start the Little Free Pantries LNK effort, says factors including families having kids home from school and changes to SNAP benefits have increased the need for food assistance. He says some pantries are emptied almost immediately after being filled.
Reinmiller says he’s often arrived with a car full of donations only to find families already waiting for food, with supplies sometimes going directly from his trunk to those in need.
He encourages residents to help by donating shelf-stable items like cereal and breakfast bars, cleaning pantry boxes, or providing financial support. Reinmiller says the simple act of adding a box of food can help neighbors facing food insecurity.
More information and donation ideas are available through the Little Pre-Pantries LNK Facebook page.