Little Free Pantries are weather and animal-proof structures that store food and other items for those in need. Little Free Pantries are accessible 24/7, providing non-perishable food items to individuals and families facing food insecurity, especially those unable to access traditional food pantries during standard hours.
“Thank you so much for what you do. We can’t get to the food bank, but we can get here whenever. We feed our family on this frequently.” – Sarpy County community member
Take what you need. Give what you can.
Learn about other food assistance resources in Nebraska.
Where can I find the Little Free Pantry?
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties maintains a pantry at the Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124. Simply drive or walk into the Extension parking lot on 80th Steet to locate the pantry.
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties also sponsors two pantries built and maintained by local youth organizations: Bellevue Do More Learn More 4-H Club (pantry at Avery Presbyterian Church in Bellevue) and Elkhorn Hills UMC Youth Group (pantry at Garden Gallery in Elkhorn).
You can locate more Little Free Pantries on this national map: https://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/
How can I support the Little Free Pantry?
Individual Donations: Drop off non-perishable food items at our office during business hours. Donations can be put directly into the pantry. If it is full or you have many items, please bring them inside the Nebraska Extension office through the north entrance between 8 AM and 4 PM.
Organize a Food Drive: Host a one-time or periodic collection at your organization. Deliver donations to our office on weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM; we'll handle the rest.
Sponsor the Pantry for a Month: Select a month to maintain and stock the Nebraska Extension Little Free Pantry.
Start Your Own Little Free Pantry: Youth groups interested in hosting a Little Free Pantry for a 3-year period, please contact us at alosey2@unl.edu.
What can be stocked in the Little Free Pantry?
Dry goods, individually packaged snacks, foods not requiring kitchen preparation, pop-top canned items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and first aid items.
Keep in mind that the weather outside will determine what can and cannot be stored safely.