HARWICH – Christine Menard of Harwich, the executive director of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod since 2016, has been chosen by the Cape and Islands United Way to receive its annual Community Spirit Award. The honor will be given during the organization’s Oct. 16 “Power of the Purse” fundraiser in Hyannisport.

 “Anyone who knows Chris knows what a powerhouse she is and how passionate she feels about making sure no one goes hungry,” said Mark Skala, president and CEO of the Cape and Islands United Way. “She embodies everything this award stands for — caring for the community, an unwavering spirit to help others, and a desire to help our community be more resilient.”

 “It’s certainly a huge honor, personally,” Menard said. “The best part is, it calls out all the Family Pantry has done for the past 35 years.” The Pantry has been feeding and clothing people on Cape Cod for decades, but remains unknown to many local people. “They don’t know that we’re here,” she said. Recognition by the United Way helps put the spotlight on the organization, Menard said.

 The Family Pantry has been a partner with the United Way since 2003; it provides regular donations and helped launch various initiatives like the mobile pantry that delivers to local senior centers and other organizations, and the Foods to Encourage nutrition initiative. Just as importantly, Menard said, the United Way helps connect local philanthropists with specific interests — like fighting food insecurity — with organizations that take on that work.

 Also being honored at the event is Maureen Wilkens of Osterville, who has been selected as the local United Way’s 2024 Woman of Impact. Wilkens and her late husband have been longtime supporters of the United Way and other worthy organizations like Cape Cod Community College, Cape Cod Hospital Healthcare Foundation, Housing Assistance Corporation and the Salvation Army.

 “It’s very humbling to be recognized at the same time as Maureen Wilkens,” Menard said.

WEST BARNSTABLE – The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, which has had a satellite pantry at Cape Cod Community College for several years, recently moved into a more visible location on the campus.

 Formerly in the lower level of the fitness building, the new pantry is located in the Grossman building across from the college bookstore. Organizers hope the more visible location will encourage more members of the college community to visit.

 People with a Cape Cod Community College ID, including students and staff, are eligible to receive a full bag of nonperishable, healthy groceries each week. 

 “The Family Pantry is committed to helping relieve hunger and ensure that students have enough to eat while they are trying to further their education,” Executive Director Christine Menard said.

 For information, email wellness@capecod.edu.