Back Pocket Vintage’s Free Bodega is a mutual aid pantry located in St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood. Our mission is to provide free essentials like non-perishable foods, snacks, toiletries, pet supplies, hygiene products, feminine care products, toys, secondhand clothing, art materials, etc. to anyone in need, no questions asked. The Free Bodega is a permanent fixture in our vintage shop, and it thrives thanks to the generosity of our customers and neighbors who contribute, participate, and take what they need.

Over the past month, we’ve been able to feed over 400 families across the Twin Cities and raise emergency funds to meet the growing demand for groceries. We’ve also received countless physical donations, which help us keep a healthy variety of items in stock. However, to ensure we can always meet the needs of our community, we’re seeking financial support to supplement the Free Bodega with essentials and respond to specific requests from our neighbors. We are also hoping to purchase gift cards from local grocers to support their businesses while supporting folks in need of fresh food for free.

In addition to funding items for the Free Bodega, we also hope to launch a Monthly Bills Assistance Relief Program to support St. Paul residents facing emergency expenses, and create a voucher program so low-income and unhoused neighbors can enjoy local food and n/a beverages. We also want to provide community meals for our volunteers during their shifts. Every donation helps us keep the Free Bodega open and accessible to all. If you’d like to get involved by volunteering, please reach out to us on our website. Thank you for helping us build a beautiful mutual aid space that gets a little better every day! The Free Bodega is an essential part of community repair and healing. Mutual aid saves lives!

www.backpocketvintage.com