Last edited 12/4/2020
Vandalism happens. Not often, but it does. Accept that it can happen to your mini pantry.
To discourage vandalism
Locate your mini pantry near a street light and/or where pedestrians/passing vehicles can see it.
Avoid glass panes. Plexiglas can be broken, but not as easily.
Keep the space clean and inviting.
If it happens
Generally, neighbors love their neighborhood mini pantry. Call on them to get your mini pantry back up and running as soon as possible. Avoid online or on site scolding, as this may provoke more damage. Nor do we recommend use of a video camera. Anonymity is one of the mini pantry’s best features, and trust is a core mini pantry movement value. Video cameras compromise both. Not to mention the expense. Should vandalism occur repeatedly, consider relocation.
An example
Vandalism of Birdie’s Blessing Box
The vandalism of this Oshkosh, WI, mini pantry was captured on a home security camera. A man approaches from the back side and kicks, unseating the mini pantry from its post. Cans roll to the ground as the man walks away.
His anger was met with an outpouring of community support. Birdie’s Blessing Box was back up the next day, and its GoFundMe raised a tidy sum its steward used to purchase food.