WESTFIELD – For two nights this week, the Westfield Food Pantry is providing “grab and go dinners” for those in need, according to its director, Rebecca Hart.
“We gave out a total of 120 meals Thursday night,” said Hart. “Forty meals went out at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 20 went to Our House, and the remaining were delivered to Westfield families.”
Hart noted the Westfield Food Pantry paid for 70 meals purchased at the Big Y.
“Brian and Cheryl Richards generously made meals, as well as those from St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church on Main Street,” said Hart. “Joanna Papadimitriou so very generously sponsored Saturday’s meals from The Tavern Restaurant on Broad Street.”
The meals distributed on Thursday night included a variety of grinders as well as water, seltzer, potato chips, apples and bananas.
“It was important to us to buy the food so we may support our restaurants in need while feeding the hungry,” said Hart.
Hart added that the chef at The Tavern is preparing a “special meal” for Saturday night’s distribution.
Hart noted that board members of the Westfield Food Pantry decided to offer the “to-go meals” because the Westfield Soup Kitchen had temporarily closed.
“We know there is such a great need in the city to provide prepared meals to people,” said Hart.
Hart acknowledged that because the Westfield Soup Kitchen is serving meals again, the Westfield Food Pantry will “likely” discontinue the service after Saturday’s meal is distributed from 5-6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement.
“We will offer it again if the need arises,” said Hart. “The Westfield Food Pantry has been changing its operations almost daily to try to keep up with the ever-changing needs of the community.”
Hart noted on the Westfield Food Pantry Facebook page that the meal offering is open to the public with “no age restrictions.”
“We are happy to serve you, but we need your cooperation to observe social distancing and be patient,” said Hart.
