Unused Church Stage Converted to Food Pantry Space
A Community Effort to Meet a Community Need
South Congregational Church and food pantry volunteers recognized that the unused space consumed by the large stage in Barrett Hall would better serve the community as additional cold food storage space for South Community Food Pantry. Converting this space took the cooperation, effort, and generosity of many community members. After months of planning and preparation, South Community Food Pantry is thrilled to have this expanded, updated space, and to begin using our new walk-in freezer and cooler.
Three Generous Grants
Local administrators of three grant funds worked with us to bring this project to fruition. While few grants are available for food, we were able to secure infrastructure funds from the City of Pittsfield ARPA grant, the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation CARES Act CDBG-CV Food Security Program, and the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires.
Careful Community Contractors
Renovations of an almost 200-year-old building are never smooth. Contractors collaborated to avoid any disruption to the full functioning of the pantry, which currently provides food to 1,000 families every week. Scott Pudlo Builders, Andy Filkins from Professional Refrigeration, Webster Electric, Laureyns United, and B&G Restaurant Supply each juggled their availability to get the job done.
Pantry volunteers who regularly work to provide support to our families pitched in to prepare the area for the renovation. Volunteer Nancy Cook was particularly instrumental in coordinating this large project.
Thank You!
We are grateful to the many partners who help us meet the ever-growing demand of nourishing our neighbors. Our need for funds to purchase food is constant and expanding. With the recent sharp reduction in SNAP benefits, the challenge is even greater. Please join the volunteers and donors at the largest food pantry in Berkshire County to close the gap. Help us fill our new refrigeration units by making a donation. Volunteers are always needed and welcome.
