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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor SOUTHWICK Food pantries across the Valley are feeling the pinch of the slumping economy as those who once donated groceries are now coming in for assistance. Kristin Smith, coordinator of the Greater Southwick Family Support Coalition, explained that 80 families received groceries from the coalition's food pantry last month 20 families more than September 2007. She added that eight new families signed up for food assistance just last month. She explained that decreasing donations have caused many of the pantry's shelves to go bare, adding that the coalition may have to switch to a rationed bag system as opposed to letting families choose what they want. Debbie Oppermann, director of the Greater Southwick Family Support Coalition, explained that the coalition does not receive assistance from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts but relies on donations and grants from organizations such as the United Way of the Pioneer Valley and Project Bread. "Tiny grants are enough to keep us open but the food by and large comes from donations," she said, adding that monetary donations aren't buying much either as the cost of food continues to rise. Over the next four months, the Coalition is asking for specific donations based on items that were in the highest demand last year. Donations of cereal and juice boxes are requested during September, soup and crackers during October, Thanksgiving items during November and small canned hams during December. Smith noted that pasta, peanut butter, tuna and macaroni and cheese are also popular items at the food pantry. Oppermann said the coalition also relies heavily on food drives organized by the local Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. On Sept. 24, Cub Scout Pack 118 will be collecting canned goods at their meeting at Powder Mill Middle School from 6:30-8 p.m. John Westcott, pack master of Cub Scout Pack 118, said the scouts usually collect enough to fill a small truck but that more is always needed. The coalition is also soliciting inexpensive, simple recipes to put together a cookbook for families using the pantry. Recipes can be dropped off at the Food Pantry, 220 College Highway, or e-mailed to ksmith@southwickma.net. The Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 3-6 p.m., and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information about the Greater Southwick Family Support Coalition or the Food Pantry call 569-9876. |