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Date: 7/2/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) delivered 100 cases of nonperishable food items to the West Springfield Parish Cupboard on June 30.
According to the TASC Facebook page, they are a non-profit organization with a mission to promote and heighten the Turkish American voice on matters that affect the Turkish American community and United States Turkish relations.
Bob Fastie, executive director of the West Springfield Parish Cupboard, said the donations were made after the TASC reached out to Mayor William Reichelt, asking if the town could make use of food contributions. The Mayor directed the TASC to the Parish Cupboard.
Halil Mutlu with the TASC said, “We wanted to make sure we were getting the most bang for our buck.”
Every day, the Parish Cupboard serves between 10 to 15 people for lunch. Each month, their pantry feeds between 100 to 150 families.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Carolyn Maloney, member of the board of directors, said the Parish Cupboard almost doubled their current numbers in people/families served.
In order to receive food from the Parish Cupboard, people must reside in West Springfield or Agawam. Lunch is served Monday through Friday between 11:10 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. The food pantry is also open Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fastie said the Parish Cupboard primarily serves people in need and/or homeless.
Upon the food's arrival, local officials were present to watch the unloading from the TASC vans. Officials included Mayor Reichelt, state Rep. Mike Finn, Anthony Moore, district representative for state Sen. Adam Gomez, and Fire Chief Bob Flaherty.
Mutlu explained that each case contained about 17 nonperishable items. Some of those items included rice, coconut oil, cookies, honey, lentils, soups, and more. On average, for retail pricing, Mutlu said the cost is between $50 to $60 a box.
Mutlu expressed his gratitude to Mayor Reichelt for pointing the TASC in the appropriate direction.