The Heart in the Garden Stand is a community-run, self-service free food and goods stand located at 294 Jefferson Avenue in Pocatello, Idaho. Operating under a “Take what you need, leave what you can” model, the stand provides barrier-free access to essential resources, including fresh produce, non-perishable food, food bank items, blankets, baby items, and basic household and hygiene supplies.
As an outreach initiative of Growling Garden, the stand addresses local food insecurity and unmet basic needs by offering consistent, no-cost access to food and essential goods without eligibility requirements, paperwork, or 10 am to 8 pm hours of operation. This low-barrier approach reduces stigma and increases utilization among individuals and families who may not access traditional assistance programs.
The stand supports community resilience and food access equity by redistributing surplus produce and donated goods directly to neighborhood residents. By operating as a self-service, donation-supported model, the Heart in the Garden Stand maximizes impact by serving over 375 people a month with minimal overhead while encouraging community participation, shared responsibility, and mutual aid.