Our Programs
Small Things works with local partners and community leaders to alleviate poverty by improving food security and collaborating to address other community needs
Regional Food Distribution
Small Things’ foundation is built on our network of 50+ community partners across the Philadelphia region that we supply with free self-stable food and fresh produce every week. The food we distribute has been generously donated to us or has been rescued by food retailers and would have otherwise gone to waste.
We are proud partners of Philabundance, part of the larger Feeding America network, and also source food from other partners such as Sharing Excess. Since 2020 we have distributed 13.8 million pounds of food.
Small Things Market
Small Things Market is a full-choice model "free grocery store" and community resource hub located in important community locations across Philadelphia.
The markets will offer a varied selection of food and personal items at no cost, as well as connections to resources and services for our guests.
The first market is located at 3510 A Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134 in the Fairhill neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Small Things is partnering with Resurrection Philadelphia, opening a smaller market inside the Center City church. The market is open on Saturdays during the time that Small Things serves a hot meal to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Emmanuel
Emmanuel exists to serve marginalized populations in Center City – particularly individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. At Emmanuel we build connections with our guests through food and relationships.
We currently serve 100 seated, plated lunch indoors every Saturday morning with volunteers acting as waiters and waitresses. Volunteers can also sign up to help prepare the food in the kitchen under the lead chef and/or to serve and clean. We schedule the team of cooks and set the menu along with the weekly head chef for a hot nutritious meal every Saturday. Doors open to our guests at 11:20 and begin serving at 11:40.
Kids Healthy Snack Packs
We’re providing 24,000 healthy snack packs to partners who work with children and teens. We worked with a dietician at Campbell Soup Co. to offer popular, healthy foods - like whole grain tortilla chips and salsa, yogurt and a fruit cup, and whole grain chips and 100% fruit juice. We also curated nutrition resources so our partners could help teach young people about healthy eating. The goals of the program are to provide access to food, to demonstrate moderation and other healthy habits, and to provide nutritional education.
Job Development Training
Job development training, specifically forklift certification, is offered four times a year to our partners. Up to four individuals are trained during each session. Trainees watch safety videos, receive operating instructions, time to practice, and are tested on the forklift. Successful candidates receive their certificate of operation making them far more employable in many high-demand fields. This is possible because Small Things’ staff is certified to train through ToyotaLift’s OSHA Certified Training Program.