Northampton Survival Center: ‘You are not alone … we can help’
The Northampton Survival Center distributes free, nutritious groceries to people in Hampshire County who need food. During the first five months of our COVID-19 response, we saw over 1,000 new clients (an increase of 300% over the same time period last year).
If you or someone you know is food insecure, know that you are not alone and that we can help. Typically, everyone in your household will get fresh produce, meat, milk and a mix of shelf-stable items like soup, pasta, peanut butter, tuna and canned fruit. We may also have bread, yogurt, eggs, cheese or juice, depending on the day. We are grateful to the caring community that wants to help feed its neighbors.
As we head into the holiday season, we know that many of you want to help by offering food items, but unfortunately we can’t take food donations right now. We simply don’t have room in our building for volunteers to accept and process donations safely. The health of our clients, volunteers and staff are our priority. But rest assured, we are working on a way to include donations in the future!
The Northampton Survival Center’s two pantries are located at 265 Prospect St. in Northampton and at 40 Main St. in Goshen. Food is distributed on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. at the Northampton pantry, and at the Goshen pantry on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our clients come to us many ways — by car, bike or PVTA bus — and are safely served outdoors when they get their weekly food distribution.
Based on unemployment and the increasing cost of food, Feeding America anticipates a 47% increase in food insecurity in western Mass by the end of the year (63% among children in western Mass.). As our community food needs continue to increase, please know that we are thankful for your ongoing support and that for every dollar donated to the Northampton Survival Center, we can provide $9 worth of food. Please visit northamptonsurvival.org for additional information.
Debin Bruce, president, Northampton Survival Center
Rich Webber, clerk
Cher Willems, program committee chair
Tony Scibelli, VP development committee chair
Northampton
Published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette 10/13/2020