The Y Community Little Pantry provides easily consumable foods in a low barrier setting in downtown Sanford. This model allows easy access to food for area homeless and food insecure residents who may not be able to travel to local food pantries, many of which are located outside of Sanford.

The overall purpose of the Y Community Little Pantry is to provide a food access safety net for those in our community who are homeless or food insecure. The Y

Community Little Pantry provides nutritious foods for anyone in need, anytime of the day or night. This ease of access means that homeless individuals can access the pantry when they are in need. Simply put, those who need food may come and get food. Our low barrier approach means there are no forms to fill out or drug tests to take. Individuals in need may just take food items. In helping to meet this basic need, the Sanford-Springvale YMCA seeks to provide a little hope to those who may be hungry and struggling.

The Y Community Little Pantry sees an average of 10-25 people per day and for an average of 780 visits per year.

The Community Little Pantry is busier in the spring and summer as homeless individuals and families leave hotels and people return to the woods to live. In winter, the individuals we see are cold, often lacking the warm, dry clothing. During these months, socks and warm clothing is often donated and is placed in the pantry to assist. The homeless population is transient in nature, but there is a constant flow of individuals coming to the pantry both day and night.

In speaking with individuals who access our Community Little Pantry, we know that those who come share the knowledge of its existence with others who may need it.