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PHOTO: The Leeds Food Pantry gathered enough items to feed 60-70 families in need in town last Thanksgiving. Now the pantry needs the community’s help, after a burst pipe ruined its packaged goods supply. (Leeds Community Church photo)
LEEDS — The Leeds Food Pantry has sustained severe damage from a burst pipe and is hoping the community can step up with donations to replace ruined products.
A food pantry volunteer discovered significant damage from a burst heating pipe in the food storage area on March 1. Damage included totally flooded floors throughout the food pantry, and direct water damage and high humidity ruined the supply of packaged food.
Pantry organizers hope most canned goods will remain usable, but can’t use the stored cases of pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice products, cereal, shelf-stable milk and peanut butter. The estimate is it will take at least $3,000 to replace the ruined items.
“We are asking for your help to replace these ruined products so that our food pantry shelves remain well-stocked for the families that visit each month,” said Sue Jewett, of the food pantry. “Last year we had 1,127 visits to the food pantry and more than half of the people we serve are seniors and children.”
The pantry had moved into the newly renovated space at the church last April.
Community members can help by sending cash donations to Leeds Food Pantry, P.O. Box 228, Leeds, ME 04263. Donations can also be made via PayPal or dropped off at the Town Office, 8 Community Drive.
“We truly appreciate any and all help received,” Jewett said. ‘Many thanks from the deacons of the Leeds Community Church.’
For more information, call Jewett at 207-524-7151.
