Local resident opens 24-hour Little Free Pantry

Sutton resident Diane Smith recently set up a Little Free Pantry— Little Free Pantry by Simply Joyful—at her home at 103 West Laurel.

The brown cabinet sitting outside next to her garage is stocked with non-perishable food items and some other basic necessities.

The idea of the free pantry is simple—take what you need and give what you can.

It’s open 24 hours a day, and there are no forms to fill out or questions to be answered.

It’s intended for anyone who needs a little help getting by between paychecks or trips to The Bread Box (Sutton’s local food pantry).

People can come by quietly, at any time, and grab a few items to help stretch their groceries. For those who want to support it, they can also drop off donations directly inside the cabinet or leave them on the front step.

“I care deeply about this community, and I want people who are struggling to feel supported and seen, not ashamed,” Smith said. “Sometimes knowing there is a small, private place to turn to can make a big difference.”

She added that the local Bread Box food bank does wonderful work with far more resources than she has, including frozen meats and USDA supported items, but they are only open limited hours.

Smith is hoping this Little Free Pantry can help fill in some of the gaps so that families do not have to worry quite as much during the in-between days.