pantry build
from frame to finish - a community effort
the portland free pantry started as an idea among a collective of working folks providing mutual aid in portland and grew into an all hands on deck (or in our case trailer bed) community effort. learn more about the building process and progress, participating and supporting community members, and download the open-source design plans to launch a mobile free pantry project in your area.
ground up
the portland free pantry grew from a conversation to a fully crowd-sourced, community project. in nov-dec 2022, we raised over $6k from individual donors to help with the cost of construction materials. additionally in jan 23, we were graciously awarded the new england grassroots environment fund’s seed grant of $1k.
you can learn more via our GoFundMe
material donations
the construction of the portland free pantry would not have been possible without material donations from eldredge lumber & hardware, emerald builders, benjamin & company, timber hp, gawler & daughters, dylan chapman, maine passive house and kolbert building.
we built this
the portland pantry was built over several weekends in june 2023 as part of a frame to finish carpentry workshop series led by we built this, a woman-led carpentry workshop series based out of the center for an ecology-based economy.
weekend 1: framing
weekend 2: rafters & metal roofing
weekend 3: door building, window install & trim
build a mobile free pantry in your community
COMING SOON. it’s all about reciprocity and ensuring all community members are food secure. that’s why the portland free pantry project building designs are open-source documents, available to download and modify for your community’s needs.
