Get Ready for Thanksgiving: How Our Food Pantry is Preparing to Serve Families in Need

SOUTHWICK — The holiday season often brings increased needs for local food pantries, and Our Community Food Pantry is gearing up early this year for Thanksgiving. Assistant Director Meg Raggio noted that despite hopes for lower food prices, many staple items have only become more expensive. “They just don’t seem to be coming down,” she said, highlighting the ongoing struggle many families face in Southwick, Granville, and Tolland.

Each month, eight to ten new families are turning to the pantry for help. Currently, they assist about 140 families, most of whom have one or two working adults but still require support to meet their food needs. “We want to make sure those who need assistance will get it,” said Kathy Cook, chair of the pantry’s board.

This year, they are requesting donations of essential Thanksgiving items like turkey stuffing, gravy packets, and canned goods to prepare for around 150 families. The pantry expects to distribute a total of about 6,700 pounds of food, which includes turkeys donated by local churches and fresh vegetables from family farms.

Food insecurity is a growing concern. According to a recent survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point in 2021. This figure has seen a steady increase in recent years, making the work of local pantries more critical than ever.

To enhance their Thanksgiving offerings, the pantry is also planning special fundraising events, including an online auction from November 1-7, featuring items donated by local businesses. “We’re inviting our amazing neighbors and businesses to come together for a fantastic cause,” Cook explained.

The pantry’s dedicated efforts reflect a broader trend, as many local organizations across the nation are stepping up to address food shortages. For example, similar initiatives are being reported in various states where food banks are struggling to keep up with rising demand. This highlights the importance of community support in tackling food insecurity.

The pantry will organize a festive pickup day on November 24. Families can register for meals until November 20. Despite the challenges, the pantry aims to make this event enjoyable for everyone involved.

For more details or to contribute, you can visit the pantry’s website at ourcommunityfoodpantry.org or contact them directly at 413-569-9886.

Your support helps ensure that no family goes without a meal this holiday season.

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