Daily Inspiration: Meet Shannon Bowers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Bowers

Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Little Free Pantry was born in March of 2020. I was volunteering with a now defunct organization, Feeding Denver’s Hungry, and I noticed there was a need for food, clothing, pet food, and hygiene products for folks experiencing additional barriers. Either they didn’t qualify to receive benefits from the state, food banks were too far away or had limited hours, or they just needed a little extra to get through the week without going through the whole application process. Sometimes there is a self-shame in needing help. The Little Pantry allows folks to anonymously take what they need in their most vulnerable time.

After a few months the neighbors started getting involved. It would be empty every morning and many times filled through-out the day. I find a lot of times people will take what they need, but also leave something when they have extra. It was so wonderful to see. I have found it serves people from all walks of life.

The Little Free Pantry is still a primitive cardboard box, so it doesn’t hold too much. I have never been able to expand on it or build something permanent, due to being a renter, but my landlord has been very supportive of my efforts. Therefore, I have always wished to see other folks create their own pantries. I have moved multiple times, and it has been successful in each location, highlighting that there is a need for these micro food banks in every community.

I find that everyone does what they can when they are aware of how they can help. I think it brings such joy to the people that donate and the folks that use it to survive. Although I prefer the anonymity of filling and managing it, I occasionally find messages of support and thanks left behind or am able to talk to folks donating or taking. This is another thing that makes me understand how amazing my community is.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have left it in its original state and have not wavered from making sure it is filled. It is usually about $80 for about a month of food. I do understand this could be a barrier for some to create their own micro food bank, but it really isn’t necessary. Often when there is a lull in donations, I reach out to neighborhood facebook and nextdoor groups. Always reminding people it is there, and our neighbors can still use help. This usually motivates an onslaught of donations, so I have a corner of my apartment dedicated to storing these items until the box is empty. This is sometimes difficult in my small apartment, but it’s worth tripping over things for a few weeks. I do have to purchase things to keep the box filled at times.

I have come to understand the time and energy it is to keep up. Lots of people drop off clothing and shoes. I check on these several times a day to make sure they are presentable in appearance. This is in respect to the neighbors and dignity for the folks using the box. This can be a daunting task at times, but to me very worth it.

Often people leave prepared meals that I have to dispose of. I am forever cautious of the intent of the people that donate these items, so even though it is some waste, I like to keep everyone safe. I do leave these meals if I know and trust the person that is donating. All fresh veggies and fruit are always left for the public, but then there are the squirrels. I do find they go after things occasionally, but not as often as one would think.

Lastly is extreme weather. If the temps are too hot or too cold for the items in the box, I trade items to things that can withstand the temperatures or bring the box inside until the food will not get wasted.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a logistics manager for a private family estate, but consider myself a Citizen Activist. Due to the flexibility of my job, most of my outside time is spent working with History Colorado, Planned Parenthood, the Unsheltered, and the LGBTQ community, to name a few.

What were you like growing up?
I was ALWAYS an extrovert. And my mother encouraged me to use all that energy to make an impact. She was my first inspiration to become involved in community service. As I started Girl Scouts, I knew my empathy and concerns would someday drive a major part of my life. My first adult volunteer job was as an escort at the Pennsylvanian State University Planned Parenthood. That job gave me a view into the life of many different people and that’s when I started branching out to work with other organizations that I felt were making an impact. After 30+ years, I still feel time and/or money is what can motivate change. I try my best to live walking that walk.