"The food pantry is in dire need of donations for its shelves," remarked Leslie Rutan at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting.
Sarah Rothery, co-director for the Northborough Food Pantry, confirmed the need. Right now, she said, the pantry is low on food and "the demand has continued to rise over the past year and during the summer, donations of food decrease substantially."
The pantry serves more than 75 families each week. While several annual drives (including one hosted by the 4-H Club, a May drive led by the post office, and another at Thanksgiving led by the Boy Scouts) stocks the shelves, and the community gardeners and churches donate year-round, each year the pantry sees what has become a natural drop-off in donations.
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Rothery provided this "most needed items" list:
- Whole grain cereals—hot or cold
- Granola bars, whole grain crackers and other healthy snacks
- Rice and rice mixes in boxes
- Canned fruit in natural juice
- Multipacks of single serving fruit and applesauce
- Canned stews and pasta meals (like Spaghettios)
- Shelf stable milk, powdered milk and juice boxes
- Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, salad dressing
- Microwavable shelf stable meals
- Personal care items—toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, soap
- Soup (all varieties except tomato)
- Canned corn
- Peanut butter and jelly
We do not need stuffing mixes, canned green vegetables or anything in a glass jar.
Please check expiration dates on all donations.
Visit the website for drop off times and further information.