2010, the Southwick Family Support Coalition closed because of significant state budget cuts. One of the longest-standing programs of the coalition was the operation of a local food pantry, which began in 1988. Understanding that the community’s most vulnerable residents had come to rely on the coalition’s assistance to meet basic food needs, a group of six volunteers formed a 501(c)(3) organization in early 2011 under the legal name of Our Community Food Pantry, Inc. (OCFP). This charitable organization is currently the only no-cost source of food assistance for low- and moderate-income households in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville area.
Every week, income-eligible clients may select from a large variety of perishable and nonperishable foods from each of the main food groups. Still following the “my plate” model that we have used in the past, the pantry now offers fresh produce, a selection of dairy and meat choices, and a varying assortment of bread and baked goods. Distributing food this way has given the client more food options weekly, helping them plan a more healthful diet. The pantry also offers a Healthy Summer and Beyond Program (a Kid’s Bag Program). This program consists of 5 breakfasts, five lunches, five snacks, and five drinks per week for each enrolled child during school vacations.
A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the fiscal and general policy issues of Our Community Food Pantry. At the same time, a paid staff manages all daily administrative duties such as food procurement and distribution, report writing, bookkeeping, and pantry supervision. A team of volunteers provides additional support and helps with numerous tasks associated with the pantry's operation.
Our Community Food Pantry is at 222 College Highway, Southwick, MA. The pantry is open for food distribution at varying times to increase client access to the pantry. With the exclusion of major holidays, the current hours for client access are as follows:
Monday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Thursday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
We are in a very convenient location with easy access to the front door of the building. Parking is in front of the building.
ProducePedia
ProducePedia is a free resource that covers the types of fresh produce that can be delivered to food pantries. Each entry includes information on color, taste, and possible uses. People unfamiliar with the vegetable or fruit will learn how to use it, and those who are familiar with it still might learn a fun fact or two!
The Cooperative Extension sites have a wealth of information for any backyard gardener. Once you go to the site (each one if very different from the others) look for a link for “homes and gardens”, “landscape”, “consumer horticulture”, etc. to find information on improving your backyard garden. Neighboring state sites may offer information your own state’s site lacks.
