Family Pantry Readies For A Long, Cold Winter - Last Chance To Support ‘Helping Neighbors’

NORTH HARWICH – It’s a sign of things to come. On the past two Saturdays, the number of clients visiting the Family Pantry of Cape Cod has jumped by a couple of dozen. It’s a subtle reminder that summer is behind us, and a long winter lies ahead.

 That’s because most of the Family Pantry’s clients work two or three jobs in the summer to make ends meet. And with the first chill in the weather, some of their employers cut back on the hours they can work. It’s a predictable seasonal loss of income, but it means that there will soon be a resurgence of folks who need help putting food on the table each week.

 When demand for services rises in the fall, the Family Pantry relies on donations from The Cape Cod Chronicle’s Summertime Helping Neighbors campaign, which comes to a close on Labor Day.

 “It’s the first time I can remember that we achieved our fundraising goal so early in the campaign,” Chronicle Editor Tim Wood said. “From small donations to huge ones, our readers got the job done this summer.” This summer’s fundraising goal was $110,000, a number the campaign reached last month. As of this week, the campaign had topped $120,000.

 A $100 donation to the Family Pantry goes much further than it would at the grocery store, said Chronicle Executive Editor Alan Pollock, who is also a volunteer and board member of the Pantry.

 “The Family Pantry has strong purchasing power and a great partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank,” he said. “Every donated dollar provides four meals. Try getting 400 meals on a $100 tab at the supermarket.” But like a supermarket, the Family Pantry gives shoppers a choice of the foods their families will enjoy, whether there are special requirements because of finicky kids, older adults with dietary needs or cultural preferences for certain foods. 

 Family Pantry clients’ grocery bags also include items that many other food pantries can’t stock: fresh dairy items, fish chowder, frozen meats, fruit and vegetables, and fresh produce — some of which is picked the day before at the Pantry’s own garden. It’s made possible by donations from Family Pantry supporters, but also by the fact that the organization has a warehouse large enough to store thousands of pounds of dry goods, frozen and refrigerated foods. 

 Even as the busy season approaches, the Pantry is redoubling its efforts to reach as many clients as it can. The organization is re-activating its satellite pantry at Cape Cod Community College for the start of the academic year and continues its Healthy Meals in Motion mobile pantry to serve seniors and others who can’t easily travel to the Pantry in North Harwich. It has also changed a rule to allow clients to visit every week instead of once every 10 days.

 Visitors to the Pantry can also choose from a wide selection of donated clothing to take home, and many clients are now taking advantage of that service for back-to-school clothing and warm apparel for the upcoming winter. The choicest clothing donations are routed to Second Glance, the Pantry’s upscale thrift store in West Harwich, which generates significant revenue for the organization. Customers at the store can also find great bargains in jewelry, housewares and furniture. 

 “It’s a privilege for The Chronicle to support the Family Pantry,” Wood said. “And we’re always humbled and impressed by the generosity of our readers. They always come through for their neighbors in need.” 

Since the first Helping Neighbors campaign was launched in 2004, Cape Cod Chronicle readers have given more than $2.4 million to the Family Pantry.

To contribute to The Chronicle's Summertime Helping Neighbors campaign, click here. You can also mail a tax-deductible contribution to The Family Pantry, 133 Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, MA 02645, or call 508-432-6519 to donate by credit card.