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Select Board approves Little Free Pantry on LAAD Center property, conditions maintenance and code coordination
Summary
Volunteers proposed a Little Free Pantry to address short‑term food insecurity; the Select Board approved siting it on LAAD Center property provided volunteers maintain it and coordinate with code enforcement.
Volunteers presenting a Little Free Pantry proposal told the Select Board on Nov. 4 that the pantry is intended as a low‑barrier safety net for residents who need immediate, nonperishable food items. The group proposed siting the pantry adjacent to the rear parking lot at the LAAD Center, behind boulders that prevent driving on the lawn, and noted the location is well‑lit and accessible.
Presenters described existing local food programs — a Windsor meal delivery program, a volunteer box‑delivery program, the Winthrop Food Bank and a farmers market coupon program — and said demand for emergency food assistance is high. They proposed volunteers would check and restock the pantry at least every other day and limit items to nonperishables that do not require heating or refrigeration.
The board asked whether the installation required power or building permits; presenters said the pantry would be a small freestanding structure similar to a Little Free Library and would not require power. The motion to approve placement of the Little Free Pantry on LAAD Center property passed unanimously, 4–0, conditioned on volunteer maintenance and coordination with the code enforcement officer for any anchoring or site requirements. The board extended its "best wishes" to the volunteers and asked staff to ensure the volunteers coordinate with code enforcement before installation.
