A woman in Arkansas modified the concept of “The Little Free Library” to food items because this met a need in her community. This sparked the idea of creating a similar box in Lansing, but this location has a different need.
Individuals or families whose income is below the poverty line are eligible for food stamps, or SNAP. Unfortunately, household supplies such as shampoo, pads, tampons, soap, deodorant, etc. are not included. The E-squared box mirrors the concept of the “Little Free Library,” but will provide the hygiene items that cannot be obtained through the SNAP program.
Why the name E² Box?
I was a teacher assistant for an introduction to Social Work class, and the instructor allowed me to give a short lecture on any topic. I really wanted to talk about equality and empathy, and titled the lecture E².
Equality is giving the same of something to benefit everyone, yet this is done with the assumption that everyone is at the same place. Equity is giving what people need to be at the same starting point.
Sympathy is feeling for someone. Empathy is feeling with someone. This does not mean that the experiences are the same rather there is an understanding of the feeling the person notes.
The E² Box is a reminder of the concepts of empathy and equity, and is an action that represents this intent.