SOUTHWICK – The Our Community Food Pantry is having a benefit fundraiser at Westfield River Brewing Co. on November 15 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Our Community Food Pantry is a local non-profit organization that is not funded by the state or the towns it serves and is having the event to raise money for their operating costs.
“All of our operating costs has to come from fundraising efforts or grants,” said Diane Mason-Arnold, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the pantry.
Our Community Food Pantry Director Sally Munson. (WNG File Photo)
Serving the communities of Southwick, Granville, and Tolland, the food pantry offers food to families and individuals in need. Anyone in need of food, can go to the pantry headquarters on 220 College Hwy in Southwick.
The organization received a mobile food truck from Community Development Block Grants from the state when volunteers of the food pantry acknowledge that some customers lack the ability to transport themselves to the pantry. In August of 2016, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that they were awarding $28 million in Community Development Block grants to 57 communities throughout Massachusetts. The grant for the Our Community Food Pantry totaled $93,500 for a high-roof van. The van has been in service for the pantry since this past February.
Funds like the Community Development Block Grant aid in the food pantry’s ability to stay successful.
“That’s been a tremendous help to us,” said Mason-Arnold.
The fundraiser on November 15 at Westfield River Brewing Co. is a beer tasting that will also feature a baked potato bar, craft meats, and live music by Sam Chevalier and Jeff Roberts. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the event, with all of the proceeds going back to the Our Community Food Pantry.
The Our Community Food Pantry had success with the first beer tasting event last year at the Westfield River Brewery. (Photo from Betty Murphy)
There will be an opportunity for people to earn raffle prizes, including a 50-inch flat-screen television, a treasure chest filled with gift cards, wine, homemade blankets, and more.
Last year was the first time the non-profit hosted the event at the brewery and raised around $1,400. Betty Murphy, who’s also on the Board of Directors for the Our Community Food Pantry, noted that local businesses from Southwick, Westfield, and Granville have assisted with the event.
“The area businesses have been very generous in donating gift cards,” said Murphy.
Tickets are available at the Westfield River Brewing Co. on 707 College Hwy in Southwick, Farm Family Insurance, the Southwick Florist, or call the food pantry at 413-569-9876.
