Right now, the Norwood Food Pantry has only a limited supply of some dinner basics to distribute to neighbors in need, leaders in the organization said.

“We’re running extremely low on dry pasta, canned pasta, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese, and canned tomatoes, paste, and sauce,” William Discepolo, the pantry’s Stock and Rotation Manager, said.  “And we’re almost out of baked beans, canned and jarred fruit – even peanut butter. We urgently need donations in all these categories.”

In the fall, food pantries often find themselves short of important staples, as supplies from the Postal Workers’ Drive in May are depleted and holiday giving is still months away.  

“But because of the economy, the need is especially critical this year,” said Ruth Taeger, the pantry’s Executive Director. “In past years, we’ve served about 250 families from Norwood and Westwood. But this year, over 350 families have come to us for help. That’s an increase of more than 40 percent.”

Donations can be dropped off at the food pantry (located at the rear entrance of Grace Episcopal Church, 150 Chapel Street in Norwood) Thursday mornings between 8:30 and 9:30 or Saturday mornings between 7:30 and 11. Drop-off boxes are located in the Morrill Memorial Library and Hannaford’s Supermarket, both on Route 1A/Walpole Street; Shaw’s on Nahatan Street; and Stop & Shop on Route 1/Providence Highway.

“A can or two – or a case or two for those who can afford it – can do a huge amount of good right now,” says Taeger. “The people of Norwood have always responded so generously to those in need, and we’re hoping they’ll remember them again on their next trip to the supermarket.”

Checks and cash donations are also welcome. Checks should be made out to “Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood” and sent to 150 Chapel Street, Norwood, MA 02062.