Bite-Size Pantries for Free
You’re likely familiar with the sidewalk bookcases known as Little Free Libraries— wooden boxes atop a post, just big enough to showcase books free for any passersby to pick from. Now there’s another growing grassroots movement: small neighborhood pantries available for those experiencing food insecurity. A couple of these little public pantries operate in Indianapolis with support from Elizabeth Friedland’s Central General Store.
Friedland is a Hoosier, native to Circle City, who spent a few years in the Big Apple. “New York is amazing, but not practical,” she says. “Indianapolis is accessible. There’s opportunity to get hooked in, even for newcomers. Indy has the space and welcoming environment to empower people. If you want to do something, you can make a mark.”
Friedland works in the communications fi eld but has been intentionally involved in various social causes. She identifi es as a humanitarian and makes moves that speak true to that—promoting women’s rights, volunteering with foster care services and adopting a child.
“It’s important: supporting people,” she continues. “If everybody looked around and asked, ‘What are three things I can do this year to help my neighbor?’ our world would be transformed.”
So, what is the Central General Store? Inspired by Future Farmers of America, Friedland planted two Little Free Pantries for people to pull from as needed, and the Central General Store is the hub that supplies and operates them.
“I’ve always wanted to have a food pantry to tangibly give back,” Friedland says. “I grew up with a single mom. We never had to utilize a pantry or rely on public assistance. However, even as a kid, I knew we were on the edge and I grew up very aware of others who had less.”
Brandi Davis-Handy, a donor and volunteer, got involved after seeing an image online. “Elizabeth posted a picture on social media showing a line of people at the New York Street pantry only moments after stocking it,” says Davis-Handy. “Through that image, it was clear there’s a need here.”
The pantry on East New York Street stands on the property of Cornerstone Lutheran Church, near the sidewalk.
The Little Free Pantries allow food access at all hours for people experiencing food insecurity.
“If everybody looked around and asked, ‘What are three things I can do this year to help my neighbor?’ our world would be transformed.” —Elizabeth Friedland
“I reached out to Elizabeth after learning she was seeking a second site for her Central General Store,” says Sarah Diaz, member of Cornerstone Lutheran. “Our church was aware many of our neighbors were facing food insecurity, and this seemed like a great opportunity. We host a pantry inside, but the Central General Store provides access at all hours.”
Jason Taber, Cornerstone’s pastor of outreach, also praises the pantry: “Our members are very supportive. Its value is evident by the struggle to keep it stocked. Every time we fill it, it’s empty within hours. Clearly, it’s meeting a need in our community.”
Friedland has goals to grow the Central General Store, with a vision to add at least four more pantries and a board of directors.
“I’m working towards improved, sustainable sourcing. And ultimately, I want to make this a true nonprofit,” says Friedland.
“There are organizations we want to partner with. The more connections we make, the better we can be by strengthening each other. It’s a grassroots endeavor demanding to go to the next level. The need is much greater than I imagined.”
Simply donating food directly to a pantry site is one way to get involved. However, there are other opportunities, such as volunteering to manage a pantry for a day.
“Elizabeth is working to make Indianapolis better,” says Davis- Handy. “If more people get involved by taking small actions, we can help our neighbors in ways you can’t imagine.” n
- Central General Store pantries can be found at 5151 Central Ave. and 2837 E. New York St. For more information, visit www.centralgeneralstore.org and www.littlefreepantry.org . Instagram: @centralgeneralstore
