Take what you need and leave what you can at Victor J. Andrew High School’s new mini food pantry and outdoor little free library. 

Stocked with non-perishable food items such as soup, pasta, granola bars, and snacks, the community food pantry is an opportunity to provide access to food for those in need. According to Feeding America’s Map Meal Gap Study, one in seven people in Cook County will experience food insecurity this year, which is the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of food. 

Andrew Physical Education and Health teacher Kathryn Gibson saw a micro-pantry in her hometown and thought the VJA community could benefit from the idea. She said, “Students, their families, and the community may need a little extra help sometimes, and this allows them to take food items when they need them and leave food items if they don't. Anyone can leave items in the pantry, and anyone can take from the pantry. The pantry doesn't discriminate and is free from judgment.”

Similarly, Andrew High School has also installed a mini-outdoor library, where community members can freely share books. 

Andrew Class of 2025 Giuliana Rubio came up with an idea for the outdoor library to benefit both students and the community. As a member of the Andrew Book Club, she shared her idea with her sponsor, Alice Cooler, who helped bring it to life.

Andrew’s new Little Free Library will be registered, which means it will be connected to a network of other registered libraries. Registration also includes access to benefits and support from the Little Free Library organization, such as a listing on their world map and access to resources and a community of stewards.

Gibson brought the idea to the administration, which was in full support of the idea. Woods teacher Jeff Cassidy and his Woods 3 students designed the entire project. Each student was involved with making the pantry/library, as well as its foundation. Cassiddy said, “We went from rough design work to more creative and artistic qualities to ensure it represented the Woodshop.” Then, students burned the outside for a weather treatment, painted/stained, and then weather-coated. Finally, they made a plaque with all the students' names who had a hand in the build.

Open to the public, anyone can access the pantry and library in the front of the school.  

Clubs, sports, and other activities at VJA will also ensure the pantry is filled and thriving.