With pandemic-related aid from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on a schedule to wind down, many area residents could see an end to a monthly assistance check, and that in itself makes the Marion Food Bank that much more relevant.
“A lot of people started saving about 95 extra dollars with their Covid benefit. That’s going away,” said Karen Gregory, director of the Marion Council on Aging. “All the prices went up, and that hasn’t come back down. … We give people some things here, so maybe they can use their money for other things.
The food bank is hosted by the Council on Aging from its headquarters at the Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street in Marion.
“SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) doesn’t cover everything. Things like toilet paper, shampoo, soap, things that are just as important,” said Gregory, who anticipates more visitors when the next monthly billing cycle hits less-fortunate residents.
The two-year-old endeavor has been operational since January 2021. It has evolved slightly, as volunteers running the food bank have learned more about area needs and organizers have made improvements. One change is the food bank is dealing exclusively with the Greater Boston Food Bank.
“We’re trying to respond to the need. There’s a lot you don’t think about – there’s so many gluten-free people today,” she said. “It’s expensive, too, so we have some gluten-free pasta. If we find something that’s gluten-free, we try to highlight it.”
The needs of the elderly necessitate the inclusion of items low in salt and sugar. Canned goods are popular, and any items nearing their expiration date are noted accordingly. The Food Bank has a refrigerator donated by the Lodge of St. Andrew in which grapefruit and oranges are being kept.
Families with small children have discovered the pantry, so there are now coloring books to occupy them while their parents peruse the shelves.
Another new twist is a visit at the end of March from Whitney of Walt’s Mobile Closet.
“She comes in and sets up clothes out there (in the main area of the center.) She’s come a couple of times. She did a back-to-school backpack (distribution),” said Gregory.
Residents feeling unsafe going out can call (508) 748-3570 to arrange for assistance.
The pantry is open on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
By Mick Colageo