“Take what you need, leave what you can.”
Welcome Morningside’s Newest Little Free Pantry!
There is a wonderful new addition to the neighborhood, and it comes with a powerful motto: “Take what you need, leave what you can.”
Located at 1423 Chislett Street, Morningside’s newest Little Free Pantry is officially open for business. Run by Sara Franco, Whit Altman, and their three children, the pantry is a testament to the power of grassroots community care. Though the family only recently moved to Morningside from Stanton Heights in April 2026, they are already planting deep roots and finding ways to give back.
Inspired to Action
The pantry got its start back in November 2025 while the family was still living in Stanton Heights. Inspired to act after widespread cuts to SNAP benefits left many families struggling, Sara and Whit wanted to create a tangible way to help—and a project their kids could directly participate in. "We ordered a small outdoor, rainproof cabinet, painted a colorful sign with our kids' handprints, and stocked it with non-perishable items," said Sara. "When we moved to Morningside, the pantry came right along with us."
The pantry isn’t intended to replace the incredible, large-scale work of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, but serves as a vital hyper-local safety net. It’s perfect for neighbors who face transportation barriers, rigid work schedules, or just need a few staples to get through until the next payday.
How It Works & What's Needed
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with neighbors frequently stopping by to drop off items or leave kind notes of gratitude. The Franco-Altman family checks the pantry daily, and their kids love seeing the items fly off the shelves.
Because items go quickly, community donations are always welcome. The household works hard to keep it stocked, but they rely heavily on the generosity of neighbors to keep up with the demand. If you have a little extra room in your grocery budget—or just some extra items in your cupboards—here is a quick guide to what the pantry needs most.
High-Demand Food Staples:
Kid-Friendly "No-Extra-Ingredient" Meals: Easy Mac cups, Velveeta-style mac and cheese, oatmeal packets, and granola bars (things that don't require milk or butter to make).
Hearty Basics: Pasta and jarred sauce, canned soups, canned veggies, fruit, rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, and crackers.
Canned Meats: Tuna, chicken, Spam, and Vienna sausages.
Sweet Treats: Candy, baking mixes, and seasonings (comfort foods fly off the shelves quickly!).
Essential Non-Food Items:
Baby formula and baby food
Diapers (even open packs your child has outgrown!)
Tampons and maxi pads
Dog and cat food
Supporting the pantry is easy, and you don't even have to buy brand-new groceries to do it. As long as the food is unexpired and shelf-stable, all contributions are deeply appreciated. The family even tries to keep empty grocery bags inside the cabinet to make it easier for neighbors stopping by on foot or by bike.
Stop By and Say Hello!
Ultimately, the pantry represents the exact kind of community spirit that makes Morningside so special. "We all rise by lifting others,” said Sara. When folks are met with hard times and food insecurity, that is an opportunity for neighbors and community to help lift those folks up."
The next time you are walking or driving down 1423 Chislett Street, keep an eye out for the bright, hand-painted cabinet in the front yard. Whether you are stopping by to grab a quick box of pasta for dinner or dropping off an extra bag of pet food, you are helping make Morningside a stronger, kinder place to live.
