As the pandemic persists, shelves that used to hold books are now stocked full of necessities for people in need all across the country. Little Free Library, or Little Free Pantry, is a non-profit organization meant to create an accessible way of getting supplies, but also giving them. Little Free Libraries usually hold multiple books for neighbor kids and adults to take and put back, but now they are full of useful supplies.

These small shelves are stocked full of toilet paper, hygiene products, canned goods, and non-perishable foods such as pasta, peanut butter, and boxed meals. These items can make a huge difference in someone’s life, even if in a small amount.

9th grader Elena Sjaastad lives near a Little Free Library and said, “I think that the food banks should stay throughout the pandemic because even if they don’t have everything that someone needs, they have some things and that’s enough to let people know you care.”

The food banks are bringing communities together in these hard times, and helping many families stay on their feet while they are battling economic insecurity. There are many banks dispersed throughout Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities. Especially as the food and supply shortage continues, this is a great way to efficiently get necessities to people who may not get to reach more significant opportunities for these supplies.

There are many videos for people to create their own Little Free Library. People all over the Twin Cities are building them in their front yard or on the sidewalks in their neighborhoods. It’s a simple project, and many groups of people all over are happy to help.

9th grader Ben Chen said, “Because I have heard about the harsh ways of living some people are going through, I would definitely consider making a food shelf-library to help out those in need.”

It shows how willing people are to help others in these times, and in a way, this pandemic, which is keeping people apart, is also bringing people together. Moving forward, it is hopeful that people who are more fortunate in this pandemic and can support themselves are donating to the food banks.