With the skyrocketing costs of fuel and groceries and the current rate of inflation, food insecurity throughout the Lower Mainland is on the rise.

One initiative that’s aimed at fighting and de-stigmatizing food insecurity at a grass roots level is the community pantry. Founded on the concept of mutual aid, pantries follow the “Take what you need, leave what you can,” approach.

How we got involved

We first got involved with the Vancouver Community Fridge Project in 2021 when one of their volunteers asked us if we could repair an existing pantry. Then last spring, our friends at Alair Delta built one for East Vancouver.

When pantry volunteer Mona Grenier got in touch with us again in November, we at Alair Chilliwack were eager to help out. The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House at 7th in Vine in Vancouver wanted to upgrade the pantry on their property. The existing one was much too small and not able to fulfill the neighbourhood’s needs.

Our latest pantry

We quickly set to work, building Alair 604’s largest community pantry to date. This one includes a space for a fridge and then a number of shelves for non-perishable food. A truck and trailer ride to Vancouver later, the pantry was ready for installation.

This pantry definitely has tons of room to house all sorts of food items. The side with the shelves has a plexiglass windows. That gives pantry patrons the ability to look inside, while still keeping wildlife out.

Pantry Grand Opening

Once the pantry was in place, local artist Tricia Aviss got to work. She gave it a colourful and inviting look. A week later, we helped host an opening event at the pantry.

Neighbours, pantry users, donors, volunteers and even the media stopped by. We were visited and interviewed by CBC TV, CBC Radio and the Vancouver Sun. And be sure to check out this article by Vancouver is Awesome. 

Pantry Volunteer Mona Grenier being interviewed by Reporter Janella Hamilton from CBC TV. 

We are seeing more and more community pantries and fridges pop up across the lower mainland. If you are interested in building one of your own, here are our top 10 tips to get you started.

Our top 10 tips for building your community pantry

1 We used standard plywood with exterior grade primer and paint to protect the pantry. If it’s not protected from the elements, we suggest adding a bit of an overhang with shingles on it to help shield it from our rainy West Coast weather.

2. We also added legs to ours to raise it off the ground and protect it from moisture.

3. Doors are a must.  We used plexiglass on ours so that users can easily see what’s inside.

4. We also added roller catch on the doors to help them stay closed.

5. Don’t forget about accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act says handles and catches should be from 34″ to 48″ off the ground for maximum accessibility.

6. Make it eye-catching and welcoming by painting it fun, bright colours.

7. Place the pantry in one of two places: Either in an area that’s quite visible with lots of passers-by. Or, consider tucking it away in an alley, which can give users more privacy. (Of course, be sure to get permission from property owners before you install your pantry!)

8. Stock it with any food that’s unopened and isn’t expired. We’ve found that things like canned stews, soups and pastas all go quickly. Proteins are also a big hit, things like peanut butter, canned beans, and canned meats.

Alair Community Pantry in Vancouver

9. Add other necessities too. Feminine hygiene products or diapers can be expensive to buy and they aren’t always available at food banks. Pet food also does quite well.

10. Spread the news! Share your pantry on social media or let the local community pantry project (if there is one) know about it so they can add it to their online map.