Food Pantries Seek Donations Amid Supply Shortages

Food pantries in several communities are seeking more donations as demand rises and food and operating costs put pressure on their services ahead of the holiday season. In Chicopee, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry says visits are increasing while community and retail donations have not kept pace, and it is requesting holiday food items. A Dayton pantry says it could close by January without additional support, citing reduced donations, ongoing expenses and the loss of federal grant opportunities. Catholic Charities’ La Crosse pantry reports unusually low donations and empty shelves, while Wheeling Island’s House of Carpenter says it served 505 people in September and needs food, financial support and volunteers. In Jefferson Township, New Hope Food Pantry is collecting items for Thanksgiving baskets to be distributed November 21, with donations requested by November 14.