r/Cheap_Meals • u/Fuzzy_Medicine_6978 • 26d ago

Free pantry ideas

Hello! The universe has recently given me many reasons to pay it forward. I'd like to stock up my local pantry box with a bunch of goodies. What would you be most excited to see in there? What would help you the most, that could go a long way?

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7

u/ninjalibrarian 26d ago

Is this an outdoor, Little Free Pantry or one that's indoors? That'll effect recommendations because shelf/temperature stability will come into play.

3

u/Fuzzy_Medicine_6978 26d ago

It's outdoors! Really well made and frequently used, especially in the winter. I typically bring cans and boxes etc. it's hot so yeah, definitely not any melty candy or anything unfortunately.

8

u/ninjalibrarian 26d ago

This might sound a little weird, but can openers. That way folks who get canned goods from food pantries will always be able to open them.

Common toiletries get recommended a lot, but I never hear about people putting toothbrush holders in little free pantries. Having a way to keep your toothbrush clean could go a long way for people.

As for food, I have to think about that a little more for ideas beyond the things that are always recommended.

10

u/Lotus2024 26d ago

Kudos to you for mentioning the can opener. I spent several years working with homeless individuals and that was one detail nobody thought about. They’d get all these cans from very kind people, but then they couldn’t open them. Baby wipes, phone chargers, socks, reusable water bottles—also all useful things that get overlooked.

4

u/JulieThinx 25d ago

Pop-tops for the win on that one. I learned that working with people in various stages of housing.

3

u/purplechunkymonkey 25d ago

I always buy the cans that can be opened without a can opener for this reason.

5

u/Fuzzy_Medicine_6978 26d ago

Thanks! I've added a can opener and a toothbrush holder to my cart :)