Amherst Little Free Pantry Limited
We strive toward Food Justice by sharing nutritious food with those in our community who
experience food insecurity, affirming the worth and dignity of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a little free pantry?
Some people in need do not qualify for traditional, eligibility-tested, staffed food pantries. Others are unable to provide the needed documentation, or are silent due to shame about their situation.
Food insecurity knows no boundaries. Factors like unemployment, high cost of living, unexpected health expenses, disability, domestic violence, loss of housing, and poverty exist in every community.
Who uses this pantry?
People of all ages experiencing underemployment, domestic strife, disability or health challenges, and homelessness.
What’s in the pantry?
Pantry stock varies based on material donations and funds available to purchase items. Mainstays are peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, cereal, canned vegetables and fruits, mac & cheese, pasta and sauce, ready-to-eat canned pasta products, rice, instant potatoes, soup, oatmeal, juice, shelf-stable milk, oral and feminine hygiene supplies, laundry pods, and toilet paper. Cat and dog food.
How are you funded?
We depend on generous in-kind and monetary donations. We typically spend close over $700 per month on stock, despite shopping multiple stores, buying in bulk, and using coupons to get the lowest retail prices.
Income comes from one-time and recurring individual donations (including QCD and DAF), grant awards, Refund the Pantry beverage container returns, and used book sales at UU Amherst.
What do your volunteers do?
- Daily restocking
- Organizing donations
- Grocery shopping
- Bagging bulk items into smaller quantities
- Statistics
- Publicity
- Fundraising
- Event planning
- Grant writing
- Goal setting and Administration
Can I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
Absolutely! Amherst Little Free Pantry Limited is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 93-1669913. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by US law.
When contact information is provided, we send an email for contributions under $50 and a letter with our tax ID number for gifts of $51 or more.
Who are we
Part of the Mini Pantry Movement
Easy to use, no questions asked.
Success
Helping fight food insecurity
Opened September 30, 2018
While use of the pantry is completely anonymous, we offer comment cards for messages or suggestions.
What our users say
“Thank you. God Bless. ”
“Blessings. Thank you.”
“Thank you for all the food! Me and my boyfriend come here almost every day”
“You are doing the Lord’s work! With all the closings (stores, businesses) people need this more then ever. Thank you so much for letting us access food and clothing with no judgement. Bless you guys! and gals :^D. P.S. I also bring items whenever I can and have a bin in my car to collect stuff for this wonderful place <3.”
“I appreciate every item i was able to get. I have 5 kids 2 adults in home and don’t recieve any assistance. I just needed more FOOD for the little ones 2, 4, and 6.”
“Doing a wonderful thing for all of us who are just trying to keep going !! [three hearts]”
Wishlist items
Dry & wet cat & dog food; more can meats; laundry soap, diapers, liquid hand soap, cat litter; dish soap, toilet paper; children’s clothes – toddler 2-3 years, boys.