9 Little Free Pantries + other “take what you need/leave what you can” spots for food and more
Reading time: 6 minutes
It’s not hard to spot a Little Lending Library around your neighborhood, but have you ever seen the Little Free Pantries throughout Birmingham? They operate the same way, except instead of books they’re filled with food and other essential items for individuals in need. See where you can find one and other options if you’re facing food insecurity.
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1. Community Sharing Table
Community Sharing Table provides Birmingham neighbors free food, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, groceries and other basic human necessities. Their mission is to fight food insecurity and make sure no community member goes hungry.
“As the pandemic goes on, food insecurity is growing while there are fewer available resources. As neighbors, we can help fill in the gap and make sure no one in our community goes hungry!”
Community Sharing Table
- Where: 208 Montgomery Ln, Homewood, AL 35209
- When: Fridays 1-4PM
- More info: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Donate
Locals can drop off groceries at any time. Currently, Community Sharing Table’s most needed items are:
- Cleaning supplies
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Bread
For monetary donations choose the option that works best for you:
- Venmo @MaryLiz-Ingram with the note “The Sharing Table.”
- Mail to 208 Montgomery Lane, Homewood, AL 35209.
2. Arley’s Free Lil’ Pantry
This community project is all about neighbors helping neighbors. It’s open every day and invites everyone to take what they need and leave what they can.
- Where: The corner of County Rd 3926 and Bear Branch Cove (Map 98 County Rd 3926)
- When: 24/7
- More info: Facebook
Donate
Bring by your nonperishables or Venmo donations to @Free-Pantry-Arley. Keep up with the group on Facebook to know which items they’re accepting.
Specific requests:
- Space heaters
- New blankets
- Milk
- Bread
- Laundry soap
3. Birmingham Free Store
From clothing and household items to a 24/7 accessible food pantry and community fridge, everything at the Birmingham Free Store is available at zero cost.
- Where: 2030 Bessemer Rd, Birmingham, AL 35208
- When: Friday-Sunday, 11AM-6PM | Food pantry + community fridge are accessible 24/7
- More info: Instagram | Facebook
Donate/Volunteer
High-demand items include:
- Cleaning supplies
- Clothes
- Food
- Menstrual products/Personal hygiene products
View the master list of donations needed and accepted by the Birmingham Free Store. To donate to the Birmingham Free Store:
- Drop off your givings Thursdays-Sundays between 11AM and 5PM.
- Mail your donations to P.O. Box 110429 Birmingham. AL 35211-0429.
Sign up to work at the store staffing, unloading donations, organizing and helping out with other tasks. Or consider becoming a monthly monetary supporter.
4. The Blessing Box at Trinity United Methodist Church
Synonymous with a Little Free Pantry, Trinity UMC’s Blessing Box has nonperishable food items and toiletry supplies for those in need.
- Where: 1400 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209 (find it on Seminole Drive near the upper sidewalk and entry to the church building)
- When: 24/7
- More info: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Email or Call organizer Connie McCallum with questions
Donate/Volunteer
Triny UMC is looking for volunteers to donate items, place them inside the box and make sure the inside of the Box is orderly. Click here to sign up.
NOTE: If donating sugar, rice or beans, enclose them in a ziplock bag. Write the date on the bottom of all items with a permanent marker.
5. Blessing Box at Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC)
In addition to their food pantry, IPC has a Blessing Box located under its covered walkway on the side of the church.
- Where: 3100 Highland Ave S Birmingham, AL, US 35205
- When: Blessing Box is open 24/7 | IPC assists people by appointment at 205-933-1687 for the food pantry.
- More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Donate/Volunteer
Drop off donations or send via a delivery service Monday-Friday between 8:30AM-4:30PM to IPC Community Ministries’ entrance on 31st Street South, up from the covered walkway.
Please call Lisa at 205-933-725 and let her know when you plan to arrive and she will meet you or your delivery service at the entrance to bring the food inside.
IPC publishes suggestions for food items in their newsletter and on their Facebook page. Here’s a list of suggested nonperishables you can donate:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Cereal, grits, oatmeal
- Nutrition bars
- Soups
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried milk
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon)
- Canned spaghetti, ravioli or chili
- Macaroni & cheese
- Dried rice and beans
- Spaghetti sauce
- Pasta
Sign up to become a regular giver and volunteer at IPC’s food pantry or consider making a one-time monetary gift.
More places to find a Little Free Pantry
6. Behind the Metro PCS on 1st Ave N in Woodlawn: 5400 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212
7. In front of Art’s Old Fashioned Barber Shop: 3300 Crestwood Blvd Ste 100, Irondale, AL 35210
8. Alabaster Little Free Pantry and Holy Spirit Alabaster: 858 Kent Dairy Road Alabaster, AL, US 35007
Additional resources if you’re facing food insecurity or in need of other supplies
COVID-19 hit us hard. If you’ve found yourself in a position needing food or other resources check out a few of our guides that will lead you to help.
- Use United Way of Central Alabama’s 2-1-1 line, a free referral service for those facing a food shortage, housing crises, and much more
- 8 things you can do now if your income has fallen in Birmingham
- Hard to make ends meet? Get or give help today with United Way + Truist
Are you a local Birmingham business or nonprofit in need of support right now? Fill out the forms below. We’ll be pulling information for future guides like this one.
We know there are WAY more ways to give and receive help like this in Birmingham. Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
