- en
Amsterdam: Take what you want, give what you can
Two residents of the Dutch capital Amsterdam have come up with an innovative approach to tackle poverty in the city. Anna and Judith have launched De Buurtkast – cupboards placed in public spaces that are meant to provide food, clothes and other items to members of the community who need them.
Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema stated on social media: “Anna and Judith, congratulations on the prize for the best idea for our city. I am sure that De Buurtkast is going to get a nice place in Amsterdam. Best of luck.”
De Buurtkast is based on the ‘Take what you want, give what you can‘ principle. Residents are encouraged to donate things they no longer intend to use and help their local community members who can then pick up the items for free. The first neighbourhood cupboard will be placed in Amsterdam Oost where one of the idea’s creators is from.
The idea originates from the United States where it is known as Little free pantry. Located across many American states, these pantries serve as a food safety net for neighbours and residents who may not have enough to eat, but they can also be used as a way to foster communities. The concept is closely associated with Little Free Library, which encourages local book exchanges in a similar way.
Earlier this year, Mayor Halsema launched an open call for local residents to submit ideas for improving public spaces in the city. The two young Amsterdamers found out how the concept was successfully implemented in the United States and came to the idea of bringing it to their own city. Anna and Judith were now awarded the €5.000 prize for submitting the best proposal, part of which they intend to use to build the cabinets and buy the refrigerators.
“We want to build a network of volunteers who each take a day to open and close the cupboard, and to check whether things in the fridge are still good,” said one of the project’s initiators.
Local volunteers who would like to join the initiative and make their own contribution to the project are encouraged to do so. (photo credit: amsterdam.nl)
