Amanda Borden, Director of the Hoover Public Library, explained the rationale behind the location choices for the library’s community pantries. During a discussion in an October 2023 “Mayor’s Message” with Mayor Brocato, she noted the library’s desire to partner with the community and move beyond its main building. 

The locations for the pantries were selected to serve residents who live further away from the main library, particularly those on the eastern side of Hoover, for whom the trip to the library’s central location is not convenient. The pantries are part of a broader strategy to make library services, and now food assistance, more accessible to all Hoover residents. 

Key motivations for the pantry initiative:

The little free pantries offer free non-perishable food and other items to those in need, operating on a “take what you need, leave what you can” basis. This initiative aligns with the concept of using “Food as Medicine” by directly addressing food insecurity, a significant determinant of health.