For a while now, we’ve seen what are called “Little Free Pantries” popping up in neighborhoods across our area to help families who are struggling to put food on the table.

One Little Pantry is more popular now than ever and making a big difference.

“I think I understand what it is to be in need of a job or suffer some financial loses unexpectedly,” Jana Grant said as she drove to drop off food at the Little Pantry outside the Gandy Civic Center.

She makes the drive to donate food a few times a week.

“This is something I could do personally and promote in the community to help people who are otherwise forgotten,” she said.

Grant is a realtor and has seen the financial impacts from the pandemic up close.

“They’ve lost jobs, maybe they’re on the rent moratorium right now, and they’re trying to save on groceries just to pay that or mortgages,” she said.

That’s why community efforts to give back and help are catching on. Sometimes the pantry is filled and refilled three times a day.

“It’s definitely helped a lot. If you need something, you’re hungry or thirsty, etc,” AJ Ingram said.

"That and other accessories like flashlights, that all comes in handy.” Tyler Coffman added.

People can stop by and donate anytime or stop by and pick up, no questions asked.

“No one’s embarrassed. No one’s ashamed. You know, I may need it. None of us know what the future holds,” Grant said.