Berkshire Eagle Article (Feb 2023)
In South Congregational Church's food pantry has seen an increase of 300 families a week. Here's how you can help (Matt Martinez, Feb 3, 2023), the Berkshire Eagle shared about the growing number of visitors to our food pantry, the upcoming cuts to SNAP benefits, and the pressing need for donations.
"In the past three months, the pantry saw an increase of about 300 families per week. Mary Wheat said the pantry will see between 850 and 900 families a week visiting the space, in addition to 380 home deliveries. The increased demand has stretched the supplies thin."
“The pantry needs money now more than ever to try to bridge the gap and [I hope] as many people as possible can donate.”
In response to the article, Mary Wheat sent a letter to the editor, Kudos to Eagle for highlighting food pantries' expanded mission and demand (Berkshire Eagle, February 8, 2023):
To the editor: Thank you for the recent article highlighting the work we are doing at the South Community Food Pantry operating out of South Congregational Church on South Street in Pittsfield.
Food insecurity is a reality in our community, and we need help to meet the rising demand. We are grateful to Matt Martinez for his recent visit to observe the pantry in operation and to draw attention to the food crisis, which we expect will only increase when food stamp benefits are decreased in March.
To find out more about our mission, or to donate online, please visit our website at southcommunityfoodpantry.org. To assist us with a monetary donation, checks can be made out to South Community Food Pantry and mailed to South Congregational Church, 110 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
Questions? Looking to volunteer some time? Call us at 413-464-8042.
It really does take a village. Thank you.
Mary Wheat, Pittsfield
Volunteer Site Manager, South Community Food Pantry