Pantry Stock Requests

Winter 2025/26

How to Stock our Little Free Pantries in Winter

Winters in Central Colorado are gorgeous—and brutal. Between long cold snaps, sudden snow dumps, and stretches of freeze–thaw cycles, our Little Free Pantries need a bit of seasonal strategy to stay safe, welcoming, and useful. Here are some simple ways to keep them running smoothly for everyone.

Choose Winter-Friendly Foods

Cold temperatures can crack packaging, freeze liquids, and turn some foods into science experiments.

Do's

When in doubt, dry goods are the safest bet.

Rice, pasta, stuffing mixes, instant potatoes, ramen
Oatmeal packets, cereal, granola bars
Dried beans, lentils, shelf-stable grains
Powdered milk, cocoa mix, tea

Don'ts

Glass can freeze, expand, and shatter.
Eggs, canned liquids, and anything with high water content may burst or become unsafe after thawing.

Choose Context-Smart Items

Pantries near schools:
1. Snack packs, granola bars, crackers, fruit leather
2. Easy microwavables like mac cups, soups, rice bowls
Pantries near retirement communities:
1. Soft foods
2. Microwavable meals
3. Tea, oats, small easy-open items

Help Humans and Animals

Many neighbors caring for pets also rely on pantries. Adding a small amount of pet food (sealed, small bags or cans that won’t burst) is a quiet but meaningful way to support the whole household.

Keep It Welcoming

Sometimes the most important thing in a pantry isn’t food at all, it’s the feeling. When everyone interacts with the pantry, adding, borrowing, swapping, it normalizes community care and makes it easier for people to take what they need without shame.

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