Reading Food Pantry in Need of Donations, Including Monetary

A current euphemism for hunger is “food insecurity,” according to Jane Duggan, Reading Clergy Association. “It still means not knowing where your next meal is coming from or if you will have enough to feed your kids.”

Reading’s Food Pantry was established in the 1980’s in the Old South Methodist Church, sponsored by the Reading Clergy Association, staff by volunteers and stocked by the monetary and nonperishable food donations of townspeople.

Approximately 100 households are served by the pantry. Folks come twice a month either on Monday from 7 to 8 p.m., or on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

There is ongoing need for non-perishable food, paper products, dry pet food, toiletries and cleaning supplies. The greatest need right now is financial, according to Duggan. Money is needed to fund purchases at the Greater Boston Food Bank and the distribution of $15 and $30 gift cards from Market Basket and Stop and Shop. The gifts cards are used for non-edible necessities not covered by food stamps.

Donations may be brought to the front door of Old South Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. Checks can be made out to Reading Food Pantry, and mailed to the Old South Methodist Church, 6 Salem Street Reading MA 01867.

Boxes for grocery donations are available at Stop and Shop and Market Basket. Assistance is available for groups interested in special projects to benefit the Pantry. Check the website at www.facebook.com/RFPfor more information.