Rebecca Hart, executive director of the Westfield Food Pantry. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
WESTFIELD-Food donations are once again being accepted for the Westfield Food Pantry as more COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed or eliminated.
“”For the health and dignity of our clients, donated food items must be unopened and unexpired,” said executive director Rebecca Hart. “Please help us reduce the work for our volunteers and our dumpster use by date checking your items before making a donation.”
Donations can be made at 101 Meadow St. on Thursdays between 10 a.m.-noon and by appointment by sending Hart an email to [email protected] to set up a time.
Hart added that monetary donations are still the “best way” for her organization to obtain food for local families and checks can be mailed to Westfield Food Pantry, 101 Meadow St., Westfield, MA 01085.
“Our partnerships allow us to obtain bulk food for free or very low cost,” said Hart, noting an average of $0.02 per pound was observed in 2020.
“Your donations allow us to leverage our resources to get that food to our neighbors in need,” she added.
Hart said currently she is need of cereal, macaroni and cheese, and other “kid-friendly foods” for the upcoming summer break.
“We also love fresh produce and the health it brings to our families,” said Hart, noting area residents with gardens who have extra fruits and vegetables to share are always welcome.
Food item staples that are also welcome include pasta, pasta sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, soups, rice, peanut butter, jelly, juice, coffee and tea.
The pantry has a walk-in freezer and refrigerator and can accept refrigerated and frozen foods as well as the canned and dry foods.
“I am so grateful for all the community has done to support their neighbors in need,” said Hart.
For more information on the organization and to explore ways to volunteer one’s time, visit www.westfieldfoodpantry.com or call (413) 572-0802.
