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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD The nation's slumping economy had an impact on Saturday's 16th Annual National Association of Letter Carrier's (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive fewer donations. Executive Director of the Parish Cupboard Candy Boucher noted that the food pantry received approximately 6,300 pounds of food "only 80 percent of what we usually get." In an interview with Reminder Publications, Boucher emphasized the importance of the food drive to the Parish Cupboard's food pantry. "[The NALC annual food drive] raises people's consciousness that the need is still there," she said. Boucher explained that historically, donations begin to slow during the summer and the food received from the NALC food drive keeps the shelves stocked until August. "We are an emergency food pantry," Boucher said, adding that groceries from the pantry are given once per month to households in need. "But the reality is that there are many more emergencies [than one a month]. We have to learn to live with less and make sure to save some to share. It's the American way I think." Over 10 volunteers spent the majority of their sunny Saturday sorting the food for storage and while the shelves of the food pantry were neatly filled to capacity and the excess food was being stored in the basement and second floor, Boucher said they usually have more. "People are giving less, so eventually the need will surpass people's ability to give," she said. Catherine Powers spent the day in the Parish Cupboard's food pantry, stocking and organizing the shelves with her daughter Danielle Harris, a 16-year-old sophomore at Cathedral High School. Powers explained that her daughter is required to complete community service but that she was there to lead her daughter by example. Harris said she was saddened by the need for such a facility as the Parish Cupboard but also noted the importance of giving back to the community. "I took all my life and it's time to give back," Bob Tonelli, a retired firefighter from West Springfield, said of the importance of volunteering at the Parish Cupboard for the food drive and also during the week to serve meals. While taking a short break from sorting food, Tonelli noted his disappointment at the diminishing donations and also the number of donations that needed to be discarded because they were expired. Boucher noted that approximately 20 percent of the donations were thrown away because they had expired. "People right now need food," Frances McKinnon, a West Springfield resident and volunteer at the food drive, said. She added that she has seen an increased need while volunteering during the week at the Parish Cupboard. McKinnon attributed the need to rising fuel costs. "People need to understand that our arms are open," Boucher said. "It's a hard thing to walk under the threshold of a place like this." She added that she knows the cost of living will continue to rise but she said that the Parish Cupboard will remain open for all those in need; especially the 150 households helped each month by the food pantry. "We are blessed. We have a very supportive community," Boucher said, recognizing those who generously donated during the NALC food drive and throughout the year. To make a monetary or food donation to the Parish Cupboard mail or deliver it to 1023 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. For more information call 734-7969. | ||||||
