Norwood Food Pantry Runs Low on Basics; Needs Donations Now

If you were trying to feed your family on a super-tight budget, what would be on your grocery list?  Chances are, it would include things like tuna fish and baked beans...canned fruits and vegetables...mac and cheese, canned pasta, and spaghetti sauce.

“Unfortunately, right now, we’re almost out of all these essential items,” said Ruth Taeger, executive director of the Norwood Food Pantry. “And when it comes to soup, while our cup runneth over with chicken noodle and tomato, we could really use more of the chunky style you can make a real meal out of – and stick-to-your-ribs varieties like chowder and hearty vegetable.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop it off at the food pantry (located at the rear entrance of Grace Episcopal Church, 150 Chapel St. in Norwood) Thursday mornings between 8:30 and 9:30 or Saturday mornings between 7:30 and 11.  Plentiful parking is available, and volunteers are on hand to assist in carrying bags and boxes.

For those who prefer, convenient 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.

Checks and cash donations are always greatly appreciated, as well.  Checks should be made out to “Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood” and sent to 150 Chapel St., Norwood, MA 02062.

“We urgently need donations in all these categories,” said William Discepolo, the pantry’s stock and rotation manager, “plus brown paper bags for our clients to carry their food home in. And cake and brownie mixes would also be extremely welcome. We have some on the shelves, but virtually no backup supply. And just like the rest of us, the families we serve have kids with birthdays coming up who have their hearts set on something sweet to celebrate with.”

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. 

 “So if you’ve been thinking about helping out, now would be an ideal time,” said Taeger.  “Over 300 local families are counting on us, so we want to make sure the word gets out.

“A can or two – or a case or two for those who can afford it – can do a huge amount of good right now,” Taeger added.  “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.”