Flint's Community Food Pantry
Gloria Coles Flint Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Community Food Pantry at Gloria Coles Flint Public Library provides families with direct access to nutritious food in a safe, welcoming space. By pairing literacy and learning with essential needs, the pantry strengthens community well-being and positions the library as a trusted partner in addressing food insecurity.
Challenge/Opportunity
Flint and Genesee County face high rates of food insecurity, with many families struggling to access reliable meals.
Patrons expressed increasing need for holistic support beyond books and programs.
The library had the opportunity to leverage its central, trusted role in the community to meet this need in collaboration with local partners.
Key Elements of Innovation
Structure & Implementation: Pantry established inside the library with shelving, refrigeration, and regular restocking.
Key Partners: Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, community volunteers, local donors.
Activities: Ongoing distribution of non-perishable and perishable food, resource-sharing about nutrition and wellness.
Innovation: Integrates food access directly into a public library setting — bridging literacy, wellness, and equity. This approach reimagines the library as a hub for essential life resources alongside education.
Achieved Outcomes
Impact: Within the first month, the pantry served 200+ individuals and families, with demand growing weekly.
Data Metrics: Number of households served, frequency of visits, volume of food distributed.
Partnerships: New collaborations with local nonprofits and increased engagement with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
Feedback: Patrons expressed gratitude for having “one less barrier” to face and staff noted stronger connections with families who might not otherwise visit the library
Supporting Materials:
