Access to food and essential items can be a challenge for families in need, and local community initiatives play a vital role in filling that gap. Recently, students and staff at Ross Education’s Kentwood campus stepped up to support the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, a community-led project that provides free access to food, personal care items, and other essentials for residents in need.
The Little Free Pantry began in 2017 as a community service initiative honoring Martin Luther King Jr., aiming to address immediate needs within Kentwood. Located inside the Kentwood Activities Center, the pantry has grown into a year-round resource for local families. As demand increased, a second pantry was opened in 2021 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. The concept behind the Little Free Pantry is simple yet powerful: “Take what you need, leave what you can.” There are no forms or requirements, just neighbors helping neighbors.
During the campus drive, Ross Education students and staff collected a variety of nonperishable foods including canned meats, vegetables, pasta, rice, and cereal, along with personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant, soap, and feminine hygiene products. The donations were delivered to the pantry to help replenish supplies ahead of the busy winter season.
“At Ross, we always look for ways to support the communities our students live and work in,” said Courtney Arnold, Student Success Advisor at Ross Education Kentwood. “The Little Free Pantry is such an incredible resource for people right here in our neighborhood. Being able to contribute, even in small ways, reminds us that kindness and generosity are contagious, it starts with one person deciding to help.”
One Ross student, Maria J., shared her perspective on participating in the drive: “It felt really good to give back. Some of the families who rely on the pantry may be struggling to make ends meet, and knowing that our donations can help brighten their day, even just a little, made me feel proud to be part of Ross and our community.”
In addition to food and hygiene products, the pantry also accepts kid-friendly items like crayons, small toys, and school supplies, ensuring families can access both necessities and small items that bring joy to children.
For those interested in continuing to give, donations can be dropped off year-round at multiple Kentwood locations, including the Activities Center, Kentwood Library Branch, City Hall, and select local businesses. Financial contributions are also accepted through the Kentwood Community Foundation.
“Helping fill the shelves of the Little Free Pantry wasn’t just about donating food, it was about showing our students what community really means,” added Arnold. “When we come together to help others, we’re reminded how much of a difference small acts of kindness can make.”
Ross is proud to be part of a community that comes together to support one another. Efforts like the Little Free Pantry show that even small gestures of giving can make a big difference for families in need while inspiring students to carry forward a spirit of compassion and service.
If you’d like to learn more or see how you can help, check out the City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.