Due to COVID-19 many food collection events such as the United States Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger food drive cannot be held or are being postponed this year. To compensate for some of the food that would normally be received from these food drives, the Gorham Food Pantry (the Pantry) will hold a major food drive on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Food donations and monetary contributions will be accepted at the Gorham Hannaford parking lot nearest to Mr. Bagel and also at the Food Pantry in the St. Anne’s Church parking lot.
If you are unable to make a donation that day but would like to participate, consider calling in a “Hannaford to Go” order for us to pick up on Saturday; just reach out via the the Pantry Facebook page to make arrangements. Donations of Hannaford gift cards can also help Pantry clients supplement their pickup with fresh fruits and vegetables and other important items. If possible, gift cards that specify no alcohol or tobacco are best.
Please see the Pantry ad on page 11 for suggested food donation items that are most requested or needed. The list will also be available at the Pantry table in the Hannaford parking lot during the drive, so please feel free to swing by for the list before heading in to do your weekly shopping. Cash donations can be made via PayPal at the Pantry website at www.gorhamfoodpantry.org with the PayPal donation button.
The Pantry is also thrilled to announce they have been awarded a grant for a cargo van, issued through the HUD Community Development Block Program. Individual volunteers have always had to use their own vehicles to pick up and deliver donated food, so having a vehicle will be a huge help. The Pantry will now have the ability to transport larger loads in a more efficient manner and the deliveries will sheltered from the weather. No cash donations made to the Pantry will be used toward the purchase of the van. The grant covers all costs including shelving for the van, signage, and additional costs associated with operating the van during the first year.
The Pantry Board and dedicated volunteers are very grateful for your continued support as we partner together to serve our neighbors here in Gorham. Thank you.