As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated through winter in 2020, lack of access to food threatened to reach critically high levels for families and communities across the United States. Results from the US Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey showed that during the pandemic, food insecurity has doubled for the overall population and tripled among households with children. Local food banks and pantries are critical in addressing food security issues but are not accessible to many in need. Increasing local access to crowd-sourced community food resources can help fill the gap.

To help solve the challenge, in December 2020 DuPont^™ Great Stuff^™ launched the Great Pantry Project, which supports communities experiencing food insecurity by helping them build and strategically place free little pantries for non-perishable food and essentials. Great Stuff™ is building and installing free community cupboards across the country with the intention that people in those neighborhoods give what they can and take what they need. 

As part of the program, Great Stuff™ has also released downloadable blueprints and an instructional video that gives builders of all skill levels a step-by-step guide to constructing a free little pantry they can install in their communities. In addition, Great Stuff™ has assembled resources to help community members with everything from determining an ideal location for their pantries to tips for stocking the pantries once they are built and installed.

The Great Pantry Project is for anyone who wants to build better, more resilient communities. The initial pantries have been installed across the US via partnerships with influencers, in locations with underserved communities prone to experiencing food deserts such as Detroit, St. Louis, and Boston. This project also contributes to our corporate and Shelter Solutions 2030 goal of Building Thriving Communities.