Neighbors Helping Neighbors – No Questions Asked
The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is proud to support two unique “take what you need” programs: Little Free Pantries and Free Vending Machines. Both repositories offer simple necessities with no questions asked–an easy way for neighbors to help neighbors when it matters most.
Meeting People Where They Are
Free Health Vending Machines are intentionally low‑profile, but their impact is anything but small. Stocked with naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, feminine hygiene products, gun locks, first aid kits, and even seasonal items like sunscreen or hand warmers, they meet people where they are — providing life‑saving and dignity‑preserving supplies without judgment.
Little Free Pantries follow a similar philosophy. Modeled after the familiar Little Free Library concept, these modest cabinets are a manageable and tangible way to help address food insecurity in Marshfield, and create community through neighborhood engagement. The guiding belief is captured in the phrase that defines the model: “Take What You Need, Give What You Can.”
Powered By Generosity
Both programs are powered by local generosity and shared responsibility. The free vending machines are kept running thanks to a patchwork of support—the American Legion, local law enforcement, state grant resources, and a Community Grant from the Marshfield Area Community Foundation. “This grant makes a huge difference,” said the program’s coordinator. “It allows us to keep the Marshfield machines running and filled with what people need most, without interruption.”
Little Free Pantries depend on that same spirit of community ownership. From the beginning, residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations have been invited to embrace the model by giving monetary or in-kind donations, which help keep the LFPs stocked with food. The long‑term goal is simple and powerful: for individuals, businesses, and families to add to the LFPs regularly so food is available to those in need.
Small Cabinets, Big Stories
Behind the scenes of both efforts are deeply human stories. At the vending machines, Narcan is the most‑dispensed item. One woman, unable to afford naloxone at the pharmacy, left the machine in tears, grateful for the free supply. Another man regularly gathers Narcan to have on hand in case an emergency arises in his neighborhood. These are small, quiet acts that weave a web of care that extends far beyond the machines themselves.
The Little Free Pantries tell similar stories of dignity and resilience. A grandmother discovered the pantries while caring for her daughter and grandchildren who were struggling due to recent life changes, and shared that the LFPs have been a huge help for them. A woman whose life changed dramatically due to alcoholism now lives with chronic health issues and uses the LFPs regularly. At United Way’s pantry, a working adult confided that she “never thought that she would be in the position to need this type of help,” yet the pantry has become part of how she manages to get by.
Each encounter reflects the same truth: circumstances can change quickly, and everyone deserves a way to access help with dignity.
The Foundation of a Caring Community
The pantries and machines are visible signs of a community that believes everyone deserves safety, nourishment, and dignity—and that, together, neighbors can make sure no one faces a hard moment alone.
Get involved:
Donate food at any Little Free Pantry. Marshfield locations can be found here.
Donate to the Community Grants Fund to support local projects like these by clicking here.