More Families Seeking Help at Community Food Pantry 

by Carol Cauley

(November 15, 2007) In our communities, the springtime flooding has long subsided and most homes and buildings have been cleaned up, but, for many families, life is still a day-to-day struggle. The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, known as the Food Pantry, continues to be an important source of help to these families. The week after the flood more than 800 people came for groceries, including 75 new families. While some folks needed help only a few times, others have required ongoing assistance while getting back on their feet. Like most who attend the Food Pantry, these new clients are part of the “working poor,” men and women who are employed but struggle with the high cost of living in our area.

To help meet the expanded need, the United Way of Larchmont and Mamaroneck is partnering to collect non-perishable food items in their annual “Have a Heart for the Hungry” food drive. The Food Pantry will pass on the donated foods to an expected 300 families in the community, who will be served at the Thanksgiving distribution at the Community Action Program Center in Mamaroneck.

Long-time volunteers Claudia Johnson and Claire Glasson pack cereal into grocery bags for distribution to Food Pantry clients.

The food drive carries increased significance this year to the all-volunteer Task Force as the number of families coming to the food pantry’s twice-monthly distribution has increased by more than 8% since the flood. Currently, groceries are packed and distributed every two weeks to about 240 families, or more than 700 individuals. The proceeds from the food drive provide the Food Pantry some temporary financial relief from purchasing some of the basic grocery items.

As you do your Thanksgiving shopping on Saturday, November 17, or Sunday, November 18, add a few extra items to the cart and pass them on to the volunteers who will be receiving donations in a number of parking lots at area stores. Collection sites will be: A & P on Mamaroneck Ave., Trader Joe’s on the Boston Post Rd., Stop & Shop on the Boston Post Rd. in Larchmont and Food City on Halstead Ave. at West Ave. Volunteers will be at the sites from 9 am until 4 pm both days. Turkeys may be donated at the pantry, 134 Center Ave., on Tuesday, November 20 from 9 am until 6 pm.

Recommended food items for donation: CEREAL, DRY MILK (the pantry’s two most expensive food items), dry beans, canned ravioli or spaghetti and meatballs, chicken or beef stew, tuna fish, peanut butter, canned fruits, soups, baked beans, other canned beans, cake/muffin mixes. Please, no glass jars or opened packages.

Carol Cauley heads the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force..

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