Gorham Food Pantry was awarded a “Community Development Block Grant” to purchase a new van. The Food Pantry actually received the grant on March 8, 2021 but because vans and most other vehicles have been in short supply, the Pantry is just now taking delivery of the van. In the past, staff and volunteers have used their own vehicles to pick up and deliver food. This van will make picking up food and supplies much easier.
The Pantry has also received a second grant from the Good Shepherd Food Bank. This grant will pay for needed upgrades and repairs to the building. The funding is earmarked to upgrade the ramp that enters the building, re-shingle the roof, upgrade entry doors and to make some improvements and upgrades to the interior space.
The Pantry wants the community to know that the goal has always been, and will continue to be, to use the majority of individual donations to provide food and essential items for clients.
When the pandemic first hit in March of 2020, the Pantry staff had to rethink the way it operated, and knew it would likely see an increase in clients who regularly depended upon us.
The Gorham community stepped up, offering incredible support in the way of both financial and food donations during this challenging time. The Pantry wants to thank everyone for their ongoing support.
The Pantry will be holding a spring food drive on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gorham Hannaford parking lot. Please check the Friends of Gorham Food Pantry Facebook page and the Gorham Times for more details soon.