We are not an organization, and we are not a nonprofit. We are neighbors. We don’t have a lot of time, and our budgets are nearly maxed. But we see our neighbors’ daily struggles and feel called to do something in a way that reflects our shared values—compassion, generosity, and trust.

LFP is for those who want and/or need to give. LFP is for those not easily able to meet everyday food and personal needs. LFP is for a hungry kid after school or a home cook who forgot to buy an onion. LFP is for everyone.

The LFP is small, limiting its quantity and variety. Bricks-and-mortar food pantries are better at meeting pervasive need. But some fall through the cracks. The LFP is a safety net. 29% of those experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs.

For example, many bricks-and-mortar food pantries require an application. Most have hours of operation. Anyone may access the LFP at any time.

Additionally, bricks-and-mortar food pantries are service providers, those who use them, “clients.” LFP dissolves that professional boundary. Whether giving or taking, everyone approaches the LFP the same way, mediating the shame that accompanies need.

LFP is a centrally-located reminder of our neighbors’ need that creates neighborhood space for exercising compassion, trust, and mutual aid.

A comprehensive database of coffeshops around the country that AREN'T Starbucks.

XowA does one thing and does it well: It lets you make a local backup of Wikipedia (probably any Mediawiki, really) to carry around with you or copy to removable media (like a USB key or DVD-ROMs) so you can give out copies and read it offline. Runs on Windows, Linux, and MacOSX. Portable - can be run from removable media. Even includes a search engine. Written in Java.