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GARDINER — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley has received initial funding to restart its Friday Food Pantry. The pantry was forced to close after stay-at-home orders were put in place and funding at the club drastically reduced. However, with support from local businesses and private donor, the club can open the food pantry for club families and their senior members starting Friday, May 1.
CEO Ingrid Stanchfield said, “After several calls from community members asking when we would be able to start the Friday Food Pantry again, I decided to ask our closest club supporters if they would consider making a gift to help support this project. Within 24 hours we raised close to $40,000. This was so heartwarming to see new gifts being offered every time I looked at my email. So many wonderful people helping out club kids, families and seniors get through this difficult time.”
The BGCKV’s Pantry Fund will help support many families in the greater Gardiner community who need it the most. With more than 56 percent of members meeting federal poverty levels, the need for food is imperative. Weekly food supplies will be given to families/seniors based on family size and include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as non-perishable items.
The director of the program, Dawna Gregoire, plans to create themed meal baskets. “We have created themes such as soups and sandwiches, Italian dinner week and breakfast week,” Gregoire said. “We will also include recipes to help them make the meals we provide. We just want to make it as easy for them as possible.”
The club is working to reach as many of its families that want the meals, which could reach well over 200 families/senior citizens.
The Club’s seniors’ citizens will have their weekly pantry kits delivered to their homes. All other Club members/teens will be able to pick up their pantry kits, through curbside pick-up on Friday’s based on last name.
To support the BGCKV Pantry Fund, visit www.bgckv.org.
