Page 13 - 2019 Annual Report Community Foundation

Food Pantry Debuts
New Equipment
Thanks to Foundation support
Linda Mack, Vice President of Development
and Donor Services for the Foundation, had the opportunity to see first-hand how the Foundation is helping local families when she was invited to take a tour of the Orange Food Pantry, run by the Franklin County Community Meals Program (FCCMP).
The Foundation has distributed more than $18,000 to FCCMP through multiple grants for general operating support as well as specific capital needs. This includes a recent Help Alleviate Hunger and Homeless grant that enabled them to improve their display and refrigeration capacities so they can better organize and store fruits and vegetables.
During the tour, which included representatives
from several local funders to the pantry, a particular highlight was an upright display freezer made possible through the CFNCM.
“Because of our support, the look of the pantry has changed to be more reflective of a grocery store, which gives clients a more dignified experience,” says Mack. “The pantry serves families east and west of its facilities, and each year the number of people in need increases, creating an unintended burden on their operating budget. They are incredibly grateful for CFNCM support.”
Nearly 1,000 families depend on the Orange Food Pantry, established by FCCMP in 1995, to put food on their tables. The FCCMP also operates a food pantry in Greenfield and runs free meal programs in Greenfield, Orange, and Turner Falls.
(photo) Linda Mack, VP of Development and Donor Services
of the Community Foundation, tours the Orange Food Pantry with members of the Franklin Country Community Meals Program
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