Golf Manor approves Little Free Pantry policy, seeks up to $1,500 county grant to build boxes

Golf Manor council on May 19 passed Resolution 2025-18 establishing a policy for placing community Little Free Pantry boxes on village-owned property and authorized staff to pursue a county grant to fund materials.

A council sponsor told the meeting the village was encouraged to apply to WeThrive through the Hamilton County Public Health Department for a grant of up to $1,500 that would cover building materials. "We were encouraged to apply for a grant through We Thrive through the Hamilton County Public Health Department... the grant application is due June 2," the sponsor said.

Council approved the policy and discussed likely first locations and maintenance. The proposed first box would be at the Pleasant Ridge gateway near Tiffany's Beauty Studio; other boxes were discussed for high-traffic locations and gateways. The sponsor and community engagement committee said WeThrive provides guidance on construction schematics, allowable items, signage and food-safety best practices; the program relies on community members to stock and monitor boxes similar to Little Free Libraries.

Council members raised concerns about monitoring, food safety, and liability. Staff said WeThrive imposes guidelines for shelf-stable items and suggested the village would fund signage; the community engagement committee said volunteers and WeThrive would share monitoring and maintenance responsibilities. The council sponsor noted the village is considered food-insecure in some census measures and that older residents are a target group for assistance.

Resolution 2025-18 passed on roll call. Staff will submit the grant application by the June 2 deadline, coordinate with WeThrive, and return with implementation details including locations, maintenance responsibilities and signage.