SOUTHWICK – The Our Community Food Pantry received $50,690 last week when funds from its predecessor were released and approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said when the former Southwick Coalition disbanded, the funds were held in an account for several years in case their was a need to pay any bills or any items related to that group.
“It was held over a period of time and can now be transferred to the food pantry as their successor,” Stinehart said.
Board Chairman Joseph Deedy told members of the Our Community Table “hopefully this helps.”
Our Community Table, located at 220 College Highway, serves Southwick, Granville and Tolland. The pantry is open Mondays from 3-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. except holidays and when schools are closed due to weather.
Although the pantry does not turn away non-residents, they are limited in resources. Clients must provide proof of residence and income as well as dates of birth for everyone in the household. Food is distributed according to a family size chart.
The current immediate needs include cereal, and non-perishable items such as peanut butter, tuna, pasta, juice and soup are always needed. Cash donations are also welcome to offset administrative costs. The pantry also accepts and distributes personal care items such as shampoo and soap.
Much of the food provided is purchased through the Western Mass Food Bank where dollars are stretched to purchase dry goods as well as meats, fresh produce and dairy.
Our Community Table’s latest venture is a mobile pantry to reach those in need of food in the hilltowns and cannot get to the pantry.
