Mayor Frank Scott Jr. joined the Little Rock Department of Community Programs to launch a network of nine “Little Free Food Pantry” locations across all seven city wards. The pantries are stocked with nonperishable food items and are available to residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The sites utilize repurposed newspaper racks installed on city-owned property, creating easily accessible locations where community members can both donate food and pick up items at no cost.
“With studies that suggest as many as 30 percent of Arkansas residents are food insecure, we must seek out solutions that are accessible, practical, and rooted in the communities we serve,” Mayor Scott said. “Coordinated efforts like our Mobile Market and the work of the City’s first-ever Food Commission, along with this new and innovative partnership will make a real difference in the lives of residents who are hungry. We encourage everyone to consider donating to these little free pantries, and we want to make sure all residents know that food is available when they need it, with no questions asked.”
City officials said the program is intended to complement the work already being done by food banks and relief organizations that continue to face growing demand. The permanent pantry network allows residents to contribute food at any time while providing immediate access for those experiencing food insecurity.
The initiative grew out of the annual “Anyone Can” food drive, a partnership between the Department of Community Programs and the Little Rock Fire Department. Organizers and community partners sought a more sustainable, year-round solution and developed the concept of permanent neighborhood food pantries.
The launch comes at a particularly important time, as many students who rely on school meal programs during the academic year may need additional food resources during the summer months.
Several community organizations helped bring the project to life. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette donated the newspaper racks used for the pantries, while students at the Little Rock School District’s Metropolitan Career-Technical Center refurbished the units for their new purpose.
City leaders are now seeking additional community involvement to help ensure the program’s long-term success. Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to become “Pantry Champions” by adopting a pantry for at least one day each month. Volunteers would help keep shelves stocked, monitor expiration dates, remove damaged items and assist with community outreach efforts.
Little Rock’s Little Free Food Pantry locations are:
- Central Fire Station, 624 Chester St.
- Fire Station No. 3, 4321 W. 22nd St.
- Wright Avenue Neighborhood Resource Center, 1813 Wright Ave.
- Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Road
- Fire Station No. 7, 4101 W. Markham St.
- Fire Station No. 9, 1509 Green Mountain Drive (temporary location)
- Fire Station No. 23, 4500 Rahling Road
- West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Road
- Fire Station No. 11, 5300 S. University Ave.
Officials hope the combination of public support, community partnerships and accessible food resources will help strengthen neighborhoods and provide relief to residents facing hunger throughout the city.
Photo Credit: City of Little Rock Fire Department/Facebook
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