Lil' Pantry of Mount Vernon

"But what if someone takes it ALL?"

This is the question I get more than any other about Lil' Pantry, usually said with the hushed concern of someone describing a heist movie plot.

Honestly? No.

In all the years I've run Lil' Pantry, that has happened maybe once or twice. What usually happens is that people take what they need. Some take less than they need because they're worried about leaving enough for the next person. And a surprising number of people quietly add food when they can.

But let's play out the worst-case scenario anyway: someone empties it completely. My first thought probably wouldn't be, "What a terrible person." Instead, it would be, "Good heavens. How hungry are they?"

It's a strange thing. When people imagine helping someone in need, the fear usually isn't, "What if someone goes hungry?" It's, "What if someone gets too much free food?" Apparently, we'll tolerate feeding those who are hungry only if nobody walks away with an extra can of ravioli they didn't strictly earn. Truly, a strange hill to die on: let them eat, but not too much of it.

Meanwhile, nobody polices free food anywhere else in life as aggressively as this. Do break-room doughnuts need a security detail? Should we frisk Grandma at Thanksgiving for taking a second dinner roll? We generally assume people will behave normally. Except, somehow, when the person eating might actually need the food.

Here's the thing: Lil' Pantry isn't a precision-controlled distribution system with an inventory audit. It's a small wooden box built on trust, compassion, and the mildly radical idea that feeding people matters more than monitoring them.

Could someone take advantage of it? Sure. But the goal was never to ensure that no undeserving person ever received anything. The goal is to make sure a hungry person does. [Image created by AI...and it's perfect!]

Thanks to whoever made the large donation of oatmeal, soup, and more today! I only had one handful of oatmeal packets left to put out at the pantry, and they magically appeared on the porch!

It's going to be a hot one this week.

Hard Knox Mutual Aid and People's Solidarity Coalition are opening a cooling center at SCRAPS Community Studio.

Free cold water, popsicles, A/C, and a shaded place to rest. No cost, no questions. Come in, cool off, bring a neighbor.

This is something simple we can do for each other. When it's this hot, a bottle of water and a place to sit down can go a long way.

📍 SCRAPS Community Studio, 300 Tilden Ave. Ste. 6, Mount Vernon

🗓️ Tues 6/30: 12–6 | Wed 7/1: 12–9 | Thurs 7/2: 12–9
Volunteers and donations welcome. Questions: [email protected]

Details and RSVP on the event page below. Share it around.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1VVhmFQZyN/

P.S. Our goal is to create opportunities to collaborate with other organizations that would like to help for the benefit of the community. If you would like to help, feel free to reach out or show up!

The need for kid-friendly foods this summer is bigger than ever, and right now we have a HUGE need for canned soups that little kids would enjoy! Chicken noodle, chicken and stars, potato, vegetable, etc.! Any kind is welcome (soups are always a big need), but think about flavors that kiddos would enjoy! Spaghettios would also be helpful! And, of course, you can always check out our list of needed items at https://www.lilpantrymountvernon.com/needs

We have many new followers, so I thought I would share some general information.

1. You can get a complete list of our needs and make monetary donations on the website:

https://lilpantrymountvernon.com/needs/

2. If you are making a physical donation and only have a few items, you can place them directly into the pantry. However, if it's a larger donation with multiple items of the same type, we prefer that you place it on the porch. That way, we can feed the items out to the pantry as needed, benefitting more people.

3. Surveillance monitors all deliveries, so you don't need to knock or ring the bell.

4. The pantry is available 24/7 (and donations can be put on the porch 24/7). The entire area is under surveillance 24/7.

5. Visitors should only take what they need and give if they can. If we find anyone abusing or taking advantage of the pantry, we will talk to them directly. When necessary, we do share video surveillance with authorities.

6. We understand that some food items are consumable and acceptable after their expiration date. However, out of respect for our visitors, we do not want them worried about food safety. Any donated items that are opened, partially used, or expired will be discarded.

If you have any questions, please send a private message or email [email protected]. Thanks!

Needed Items Drop all unused, unopened donations at 11 Sychar Road in Mount Vernon. If you have a few items, feel free to place them directly into the pantry. Drop larger donations on the front porch. Surveillance alerts us to all drop-offs (24 hours per day). NO glass containers. NO drugs or alcohol. We have an

We have three needs at the Lil' Pantry right now: green beans, corn, and mac and cheese.

Some of you might remember last fall when we made a big push for green beans. Everyone was so generous that those donations lasted us until NOW. That's 8+ months! Thank you so much to everyone who gives! And for those of you who give monetary donations (especially the recurring monthly donations), those dollars underwrite all the other canned fruits and vegetables we need throughout the month! I couldn't make it without you!

https://lilpantrymountvernon.com/needs/

To the woman who was just at the Lil' Pantry this morning being belittled, screamed at, and mistreated by your husband or partner because the back door of the car was locked when he tried the handle, know this: NOBODY deserves that kind of treatment. If anyone reading this is dealing with abuse, there are options. Come to my door any time, day or night, and I'll get you to a safe place. Break the cycle of abuse. LEAVE.

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Mount Vernon City Schools is proud to help keep our students fueled, healthy, and ready for summer fun with weekly breakfast and lunch meal pickups at Mount Vernon High School.

Here’s how it works:
✅ Reserve meals here: https://bit.ly/3R8VXox
✅ Pick up every Tuesday from June 9 – July 21
✅ Receive 7 breakfasts + 7 lunches per child each week

📍 Mount Vernon High School
⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM

Folks, we are experiencing a significant increase in the number of children coming to the pantry for food. The need is great for one-can meals (Spaghettios, soups, Chef Boyardee, etc.), peanut butter and jelly, and healthy snacks (granola, protein, and cereal bars, string cheese, crackers, Pop-Tarts, etc.). I could use a surge of donations for these kiddos! Especially with school ending soon! THANKS SO MUCH!