VOICES OF VU: Lisa Grainge, Small Things Philly
Small Things Philly works with local partners and community leaders to alleviate poverty by improving food security and collaborating to address other community needs.
Small Things started as ‘Easter Outreach.’ In 2010, a team from Liberti Church East raised money and gathered volunteers, and on the day before Easter, distributed 100 dinners to those experiencing food insecurity. In 2011, that number grew to 1,000 meals distributed. By 2019, Easter Outreach had partnered with Philabundance for distribution, with Water is Basic to provide water and famine relief in South Sudan, and with 75 local organizations to distribute 10,000 Easter dinners in Greater Philadelphia and to fund water provision in South Sudan.
In 2020, Easter Outreach partnered with #forPhilly and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to continue to serve the area’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. That fall, Easter Outreach provided one million meals and began operating out of its own warehouse space by December.
It was clear that Easter Outreach had expanded beyond a seasonal day of service, so the name was changed to Small Things. The name recognizes that Small Things are how change happens.
In 2021, Small Things distributed over eight million meals to families in need, doubled their partner list, and hired staff—three full-time employees, two part-time employees, and a delivery driver. They welcomed over 2,300 volunteers to their warehouse to pack and sort food and goods for the community.
VU PHL met with Lisa Grainge from Small Things Philly—learn more below!
1. How did Small Things Philly get started, and what is the urgent need you’re addressing?
Small Things Philly provides food for our food pantry at Snyder Ave Congregational Church (SACCPhilly) at 3rd Street and Snyder Avenue. Since the start of the pandemic, we have been trying to address the problem of food scarcity in our South Philly neighborhood.
2. What’s been a rewarding interaction or story that you’ve seen or been a part of at Small Things?
Our food pantry has developed into a place where neighbors work to help each other. Many of our current volunteers are neighbors who have received food at the food pantry.
3. What has been a hurdle Small Things has faced recently? (Please feel free to provide any call for aid and add a call for volunteers!)
In the past six months, we have been receiving less food even while our registration has increased. A few organizations have helped us out by having food drives. Also, we are always needing more volunteers.
4. What is one thing you wish more people knew about Small Things and your work?
SACCPhilly serves many refugees, reflecting our neighborhood and food pantry visitors. Our church consists of seven congregations -- Nepali, English, African/Congolese, Karen Burmese, Central American, Laotian, and Chin Burmese. Our food pantry serves many refugees and immigrants, with the biggest group represented being Chinese. We really appreciate our volunteers who can act as translators!
5. What is your favorite part of Philly to explore, or what do you like to do to unwind?
I love walking through all the different Philly neighborhoods. Our city is so eclectic and unique!
