I constructed three Little Free Pantries for elementary schools in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Originally, the project involved building just one pantry. However, after learning about a classmate I had known for several years who was experiencing food insecurity, I decided to expand the project to help more families like hers. This initiative challenged my leadership skills and adaptability. I collaborated with my troop to construct the pantries, using stations and diagrams I developed to clearly communicate the tasks. On the build day, I worked with experienced adults to successfully implement a last-minute design modification to improve waterproofing.

Board cutting and sanding during build day

The Little Free Pantries serve a greater purpose than merely providing food to the community. They foster a sense of support and community spirit. The guiding principle, "Take what you need, leave what you can," encourages people to contribute or take as needed without asking. Additionally, the pantries educate younger students about food poverty and the importance of sharing resources.