Westhampton Beach teen opens Little Free Pantry at the public library
Ari Schneider says despite the Hamptons having a reputation as having wealth, he realized there was a need for a pantry in his hometown.
More Stories
A Westhampton Beach teen opened up a pantry in the heart of town by the public library.
Ari Schneider says despite the Hamptons having a reputation as having wealth, he realized there was a need for a pantry in his hometown.
"In my high school, I've seen a lot of people who really need help," said Schneider.
The ninth grader asked the Westhampton Free Library if he could set up his "Little Free Pantry" there.
"It was something we had wanted to do but he actually had one, so it was like absolutely that's a great idea. So, we're really happy to give it a home and it's a nice addition to the community," said Jay Janoski, assistant director of Westhampton Free Library.
Since he set up the pantry earlier this month, Schneider says people have been putting it to use.
"It allows people to just come at any time, take what they need and move on," he said.
Schneider says he works with his high school's Key Club to collect a lot of the food.
"We're running monthly food drives, but anybody who has extra food can come on by, donate it here or in the lobby of the library," Schneider said.
There are at least two other Little Free Pantries in Westhampton Beach, but News 12 is told Schneider's is the biggest in town.
You can find a map of all Little Free Pantry locations here: https://mapping.littlefreepantry.org
