Food Pantry Supports 130 Families in Need

 

There are a share of professionals, beautiful homes and upscale businesses in town, but not everyone who lives in Milton enjoys the good life. In fact, there are at least 130 families who, right now, struggle to eat. The Milton Community Food Pantry works hard to keep food on the shelves for those residents, but the need is great, and they can use every donation, gift and volunteer they can get.

Since the service started back in 1991, more and more residents have turned to the pantry for assistance each year. “[The number of families] has consistently increased,” said Pat Brawley, one of the pantry’s co-directors. “The economy has been really challenging of late.”

Located downstairs at the Parkway United Methodist Church on Blue Hills Parkway, the pantry is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, with the exception of holiday weekends. It is at this time that food is picked up, donations are accepted and those interested in volunteering may report for duty. “We provide people with about three and a half days worth of food,” explained Co-Director Ginny Connors. “We don’t provide the full requirement for the week.” She said the purpose is to provide extra help, hopefully on top of other means, such as food stamps. The amount of food given depends on the size of the family, which ranges from a single person to families of six or more.

While pasta and other non-perishable items are common, there are certain items the pantry are always happy to receive. “Jelly is something that flies out of the pantry,” said Ms. Brawley. Ms. Connors said canned fruit is a major item, and they often have trouble getting it from larger donors and sources like the Boston Food Bank, where they buy food at a reduced rate. Peanut butter, instant coffee, tea bags and cereals are other in-demand items. The pantry accepts paper goods like toilet paper and tissues, and personal care items such as shampoo and soap. Ms. Connors said toothbrushes are a great item to get, as they can be expensive. In general, she said, “we will accept virtually anything.” However, she asks people check the dates on food items they bring in. “That’s the hardest part, to receive all this wonderful stuff and we can’t use it because it’s past date,” she said. She said instead of cleaning out the cabinets, it’s a great idea for people to purchase “buy one, get one free items,” or products on sale at the grocery store and donate them directly.

The pantry runs solely on the generosity of residents, organizations, foundations and most importantly, volunteers. “Without them we wouldn’t be able to have a pantry,” said Ms. Connors. She added the “experience of doing something for others can’t be duplicated by writing a check” and it’s “particularly important to expose children” to the idea of helping others.

This year, the four public elementary schools held food drives that filled the pantry’s Thanksgiving boxes. The Milton Junior Woman’s Club was responsible for putting the boxes together, and will do so again for Christmas. Ms. Connors said the club has been involved for many years. “They come in with their families and do a fantastic job,” she said.

Other programs that have held drives and made large donations this year are the KEDS program, the Centre School, local Scout troops and both St. Agatha’s and St. Mary of the Hills churches. “We always have a surplus this time of year,” said Ms. Brawley. She said around Valentine’s Day, and in the summer, donations are fewer.

“We use grants we get from philanthropic organizations to purchase food [at that time],” she explained. She said the Fruit Center, Milton Junior Woman’s Club, the Governor Stoughton’s Fund, Norfolk County Commissioners, and the Cunningham, Copeland and Susi foundations are just some of the pantry’s supporters. “I think people might be surprised to know there are 130 families — that there are that many in need,” said Ms. Connors.

Food and donations may be dropped off at the pantry between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturdays, 158 Blue Hills Pkwy., or at boxes at Video to Go, 550 Adams St., the East Milton Library, 334 Edge Hill Road, or the main library, 476 Canton Ave. Volunteers are asked to call the pantry line at 617-696-0221, or speak to Diane Ferrari at First Parish Church, 535 Canton Ave.