Agawam Super Stop & Shop Assistant Manager Tim Rancourt presents a $2,000 check to Sally Munson for Our Community Food Pantry.
SOUTHWICK – As Our Community Food Pantry struggles to meet the ongoing needs of area residents, an urgent letter was sent recently to those in Southwick, Granville and Tolland seeking a tax-deductible donation.
“The need continues to grow,” said Sally Munson, pantry director. “We have served 34 percent more people in the two months of this year compared to last year.”
With Easter only a couple of days away, Munson and her team of volunteers wanted to ensure that those who sought a ham would have one for their Sunday gathering.
“We recently received a $2,000 donation from the Agawam Super Stop & Shop’s Food for Friends program and with those funds, we were able to purchase 200 hams and much more from the Western Mass. Food Bank,” she said. “We also thank Donna Baldrini from Beta Sigma Phi who recently dropped off several Easter baskets for local families.”
The “Dear Neighbor” letter explained that the pantry helps supplement the food needs of income-eligible individuals and families in Southwick, Granville and Tolland. Operating since 2010, the pantry assisted 3,267 individuals and distributed 131,269 pounds of food in 2015.
Munson said that through the use of a matching grant, last summer they were able to distribute breakfasts and lunches to more than 60 children during a 10-week period.
“For 2016, we will be offering this program for all school vacations,” she said.
Munson and her volunteers are “very thankful” for all food donations which come from individuals, church groups, Big Y, Wal-Mart and Super Stop & Shop. In addition, donations of money allow Munson to purchase food at a reduced cost from the Western Mass. Food Bank. Monetary donations also help pay the pantry’s rent and operating costs.
Currently, Munson said the pantry is serving approximately 250 families.
“We distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food in February and with a week to go in March, we have already exceeded distributing 10,000 pounds of food this month,” she said.
The pantry is located at 220 College Highway and is open Monday, 3 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.
“We strive to provide many healthy choice selections to our clients which include fresh produce, eggs and cheese,” she added.
For more information on the pantry, call (413) 569-9876.
