Mom-son duo creates public pantry to share groceries with neighbours

One woman from Wichita, Kansas, USA, Maggie Ballard, has taken the colourful concept a step further by replacing the books with things like food, toiletries, and other necessities. 

Referred to as a Blessings Box, the pop-up repository invites members of the community to “take a blessing when you need one, leave (a) blessing when you can.” Brightly painted red and propped up by a post, the Blessings Box proudly sits in Ballard’s front yard. 

The box is continuously well-stocked with groceries, from dried pasta and canned goods to toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products. As word spread, charitable locals have begun donating goods themselves, emphasising the project’s community-based premise and validating Ballard’s efforts.