Waltham teen turns compassion into action by installing a ‘little free pantry’ at the Salvation Army

In early November, a “little free pantry,” which provides 24/7 access to nonperishable food and essentials to anyone in need, opened outside the Salvation Army at 33 Myrtle Street. Its founder: 16-year-old Noelle Lee, who lives nearby in Waltham and attends Concord Academy.  

Noelle approached the Salvation Army over the summer about the idea, and after months of planning and hard work, the pantry is now serving the community with a simple message: “Take what you need, leave what you can.”

How she got started

This past summer, Lee participated in a teen volunteer program at Rosie’s Place, a nonprofit focusing on women experiencing poverty and homelessness in Boston. The program involved workshops on social justice, discussions, volunteer shifts in the dining room, and a service project. 

“My understanding of the realities of homelessness deepened,” Lee explained, “and I witnessed how meaningful acts of care can impact a person’s dignity, inspiring me to take action in my neighborhood. This led me to the Free Pantry Movement.”

The first little free pantry opened in May 2016 through the efforts of Jessica McClard in Arkansas.  By August of that year, little free pantries became an international grassroots movement. 

Lee especially appreciated how the pantries “allow neighbors to help neighbors immediately and anonymously. For me, being able to help in this way means participating in a shared human experience.” Neighbors can donate nonperishable goods and essential toiletries (which are not covered by SNAP benefits) to the little free pantry. Lee is eager to expand her efforts and invites individuals and organizations who want to donate, learn more or even host other little free pantries to contact her at littlefreepantryboston@gmail.com.