Micropantry

Green Hills Public Library District provides a micropantry on its premises, just outside the entrance to the building. A micropantry is a free food pantry, where community members can access or donate non-perishable food items and personal care items. The idea is to “take what you need, leave what you can.” It is accessible by the public 24/7.

Donations from the community are encouraged to ensure items are available to those in need.  

Please be mindful of the outside temperature during winter months, as canned goods and bottled items may freeze when temperatures are below 35 degrees.

If the micropantry is full, please do not leave items outside the pantry as this may attract animals and insects. Instead, please bring your donations to the Patron Services Desk on the 2nd floor of the Library.

Items Needed

• Shelf-stable, non-perishable food items that are unopened and unexpired. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Canned goods including fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, and beans
  • Dry goods including rice, pasta, cereal, baking mixes, and crackers
  • Other items including peanut butter, jelly, juice, condiments, spices/seasonings, sauces, and cooking oils
• Personal care items such as shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and menstrual products
• Baby items such as food, diapers, and wipes
• Household products such as toilet paper, paper towels, sponges, laundry detergent, and dish soap
• Plastic utensils

Other Ways to Donate

The Library has an Amazon Registry that community members can browse to order items needed for the pantry. Orders will be shipped directly to the Library and staff will replenish the pantry. 

We also accept monetary donations that staff will use to purchase items needed. To arrange a monetary donation, please contact Roberta Richter, Head of Business Services, at rrichter@greenhillslibrary.org or 708-598-8446 ext. 119.

Items We Cannot Accept

• Perishables such as milk, eggs, meat, bread, produce, etc.
• Expired items
• Homemade items
• Sharp items such as razors
• Clothing
• Medicine

Reporting an Issue

If you notice damage to the micropantry or its contents, or see that items we are unable to accept have been donated, please contact Roberta Richter, Head of Business Services, at rrichter@greenhillslibrary.org or 708-598-8446 ext. 119.

Additional Resources

• Find Food IL: Locate pantries, meal providers, and stores that accept food assistance. 
• Little Free Pantry
• MicroPantries.net