"Take what you need, leave what you can."
In September 2016, Kim Sanchez recalls that she founded the McKinney Little Free Pantry with a simple yet powerful vision: to teach her young children the importance of having a servant's heart. Kim says she felt compelled to share her own resources with the less fortunate. This desire to give back to the community sparked the creation of the McKinney Little Free Pantry.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the primary purpose of the McKinney Little Free Pantry is to provide non-perishable food, toiletries and necessities to those in need, with no barriers to access. The pantry operates 24/7, serving as a lifeline for anyone who requires assistance, regardless of their circumstances. The pantry's focus is to treat people with care and respect, making sure they not only get food but also feel valued and respected.
Kim states that unlike traditional food banks the McKinney Little Free Pantry operates on an honor system. There’s no need for identification or paperwork. With 13 pantry locations across McKinney, she says each one is restocked twice daily, every day of the year. "The pantries serve a diverse group of people, including the homeless seeking a quick meal, low-income families needing to supplement their groceries, individuals experiencing temporary financial hardships, and children who may be too proud to ask for help."
She says the pantries are managed uniformly, with larger pantries offering family-sized portions and smaller ones catering to individuals. From farm-fresh eggs to canned goods, the pantry stocks a wide range of shelf-stable items.
Community involvement is vital to the pantry's success. Kim says volunteers help maintain the pantries, while donations from the North Texas Food Bank and residents keep the shelves stocked. "Financial donations are used to purchase additional supplies."
Since its inception, the McKinney Little Free Pantry has become a crucial resource for the community, evolving to meet the growing demand. Kim’s favorite quote reads: “Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.”
MLFP Pantry Locations:
- 110 E. Davis St., (On Tennessee Side)
- 502 N. Kentucky St., (The Art House)
- 513 Heard St.
- 604 Rike St.
- 400 N. College St.. (St Peter’s Episcopal Church Parking Lot)
- 5871 Virginia Parkway, (Behind Trinity Presbyterian Church)
- 614 Blue Ridge St.
- 404 Lincoln St., (Holy Family Episcopal Church)
- 110 St. Gabriel Way, (St. Gabriel the Archangel Church)
- 6400 McKinney Ranch Parkway, (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church)
- 2000 W. White Ave., (First Presbyterian Church)
- 1811 Ridge Road (SE backside of Masonic Temple)
- 1827 W. Louisiana **Pet Pantry Only** (The Shot Spot)
469.424.5900
McKinneyLFP.org
Ways to Assist McKinney Little Free Pantry:
- Volunteer to stock pantries.
- Host food drives.
- Drop off item donations at central donation site, The Olive Branch, 2000 N. McDonald St.
- Shop the group's Amazon Wishlist.
- Make online cash donations.
- Participate in Kroger's community rewards for "McKinney Little Free Pantry," organization JX529.