Little Food Pantry Project
inspiring change:
This year, the Explorers class (Kindergarten/1st grade) has spent time learning about the importance of community and compassion. Each year, the Explorers class organizes our school's annual food drive for the Food Bank. Over the last few weeks, we have had important conversations about food insecurity, community resources and where people can go when they need support. Students noticed that Port Townsend doesn’t have many Little Food Pantries to help make food more accessible.
After talking with families and other students, we realized that very few people know where the existing food pantries are located. The Explorers took this observation and collectively developed the idea to create a map of Port Townsend showing all the free pantries — and then determine how many more pantries we might need to build.
As part of their plan, we posted their letters to online community forums to gather the information we need before moving forward with planning and construction. They also wrote a letter to the Mayor to inquire about building regulations on city property and hand delivered to the Post Office.
At this point in the project, we already have three new locations established. We’ve also received several suggestions for other neighborhoods in need. After looking at our map and noting where all the existing pantries are (7 total), we can see where more pantries are needed. We are working on writing letters to those communities, too. Students have brainstormed builders they know and ways to raise money for materials. We found a Little Food Pantry template and researched the cost of materials. We now have a list of supplies needed for each pantry. Once we have installed the Little Food Pantries across Port Townsend, we will publish a map accessible for anyone in our community who is looking for resources.
Little Food Pantries provide immediate, stigma-free access to food and essential items—available 24/7, right within neighborhoods. As more people in our community experience economic challenges and rising costs of living, these accessible resources become even more vital. Port Townsend is home to many different socioeconomic backgrounds, all coexisting within the same beautiful landscapes we share. The Little Food Pantry project creates a simple, meaningful way for neighbors across these varied experiences to support one another. By encouraging people to contribute what they can—whether by stocking a pantry or sharing items they no longer need—the project helps nurture connection, awareness, and a spirit of mutual care within our community.
This project is a prime example of why project-based learning is incredibly valuable and meaningful, giving students the chance to connect their academic work with real community needs. This type of work gives students the opportunity to engage in real-world problem solving, learn about civic responsibility and see firsthand that their ideas can create meaningful and lasting change.
If you’re interested in supporting this project—whether through resources, skills, or connections—we would be grateful for your involvement.
Please contact: katey@swanschool.org
Thank you!
