'Little Free Pantries' Blossom Despite Pandemic

EAST HAMPTON, NY — One woman's wish to help the hungry in her North Fork community has unleashed an outpouring of caring across the East End.

The first Little Free Pantry, a mission of love shepherded by Greenport's Penelope Rudder, was dedicated in 2018 and has seen a steady flow of individuals both making use of its bounty and also, stepping up to ensure its shelves are never bare.

The pantry's shelves hold staples including peanut butter, beans, cereals, applesauce, soups, and even bandages and crayons — all the nourishing, useful things that so many take for granted, but which, for the needy, can mean everything, and the difference between going to bed hungry or going to school without, Rudder said.

A second Little Free Pantry was created at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork in 2019 in Bridgehampton.

And now Kate Mueth, founder and artistic director of The Neo-Political Cowgirls, a dance theater company "creating new, socially immediate site-specific theater and education and advocacy outreach programs," has brought the Little Free Pantry vision to East Hampton.

One pantry was set up at the East Hampton Senior Citizens Center/Human Resources facility, located at 128 Springs Fireplace Road, she said. The group's second Little Free Pantry was launched Sunday at Sunshine — a new women-centered shop at 303 Main Street in Amagansett, Mueth said.

And, she added, that's not all: Two others are "in the works" at Most Holy Trinity Parish and the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, both in East Hampton.

Mueth said her passion for the project was born when she was at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork looking at the grounds for a possible location for her group's outdoor January Girls workshop. Daly, who was instrumental in bringing the Little Free Pantry to the UU, showed her around then took her to see the pantry.

"He showed it to me with such pride and talked about how they take care of it — and it just made my heart leap. I was so taken by it, so inspired and excited and I decided that this was an excellent next step for our January Girls — to extend into the calendar year in a powerful alliance for community-building," Mueth said.

Mueth said she's been seeking grants for projects that weave together social justice and community- building through artistic measures — uniting intergenerational girls and women together for action.

"This happened just so naturally and efficiently and it brings us all so much joy in the sharing and caring action that we are taking together/apart in bringing friendship and support to our neighbors and friends in living and working in this community," she said.

Rudder and Daly were invited to speak at the NPC's January Girls workshop to discuss the Little Free Pantries. "That was great because we know we have their support and they’ve been so generous in championing our doing this — the ripples of connection keep reaching further and further," Mueth said.

Rudder is thrilled to see the pantries proliferating. "They are spreading like sunshine!' she said.

To date, there are nearly 20 Little Free Pantries, with new plans on the horizon for Southampton and Flanders, Rudder said.

After Greenport and Bridgehampton, she said: "All the others opened during this pandemic, showing that even in times of great fear and closures, love and open-heartedness can keep growing and nourishing the community in many creative ways."

Rudder, who says she is a hugger by nature, said she shares her love through food, too.

"These openings feel just like that, only instead of wrapping my arms and holding tight, opening them up and sending all that love and energy into new possibilities and food onto new tables. There is a palpable spirit around these little pantries, a steadfast conviction and commitment to 24/7 openness for all, a deep sense of equality and justice, complete trust and acceptance and love — so, so much love. All that creates 'more' and this is truly just the beginning. We will keep opening these 'little' but mighty big doors until we are all standing freely in front of one close by — like we are all at one table, feeding each other and sharing a loving meal."

The pantries are critical because even in the tony Hamptons, there are families going to bed hungry.

And there is a need to bridge the gap that widens after food pantries, Daly said.

Even in the Hamptons, where multi-million dollar homes dot the landscape, "there is a very serious need," Daly said. "People don't recognize the poverty and the food shortages that we have here."

Rudder, who conceived of the idea, said the pantry is a way for neighbors to help neighbors in need — during the pandemic more than ever.

Hunger knows no demographic boundaries, Rudder said, offering startling statistics: One in six Caucasian individuals suffers from hunger, one in four Latinos or black individuals often do not have enough to eat, and one in three college students often struggles to stock their cupboards with food, she said.

But the problem, Rudder said, is often cloaked in silence and secrecy, with shame keeping dire circumstances hidden. "The scary thing about hunger is that it's anonymous," she said. The working hungry, she said, scraping together enough for rent, might go home to only a meal of toast for dinner. "If that," Rudder said.

To that end, the pantry is free, and open and available to all, with no judgment, she said.

"It's just the neighborly thing to do," Rudder said.

Rudder said the idea was born because she has a background in food and nutrition and is deeply interested in food justice, food waste, food insecurity — anything community and food-related.

"I read about it awhile ago and thought, 'Wow! Bucket list!' This project addresses 'Minding The Gap,' which had kept me up at night wondering how I can help. It is a perfect fit. No waiting on legislation or policy change — just do it."

Her hope, Rudder said, is to stock the pantries with foods that are "thoughtful and nourishing, delicious and as high quality as possible. Share what you would like to eat."

Household items such as toilet paper, diapers, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, pet food, and children's items are also accepted. No clothes, no alcohol, and nothing sharp is allowed.

"Hunger is a 24 hour resident in every county in the U.S. The majority who are food insecure do not live in poverty. They are in The Gap. Hunger hides itself well, creates shame and embarrassment and has a devastating effect, especially on children and seniors," Rudder said.

For additional information on the East Hampton Little Free Pantries, to volunteer, or to donate food or financial support, contact Mueth at npcowgirls@gmail.com or Susan Stout at NPC.edu16@gmail.com.