Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee, Massachusetts, says need is rising as it prepares for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the donations it relies on aren’t keeping pace.
That means stretching food supplies to serve more residents seeking groceries and hot meals.
Here’s what to know
According to Western Mass News, the pantry provides free groceries and hot meals throughout the week for people in Chicopee, but more residents are turning to those services while donations lag.
Kim Caisse, the pantry’s executive director for more than four years, said the increase is visible across several parts of the organization.
“It’s been pretty steady uptick, seeing people, in the pantry, on the mobile, and at dinner time,” she said.
The pantry is also putting together holiday bags for clients, meant for either Thanksgiving or Christmas depending on when someone comes in, adding pressure as more people seek help.
More background
Food reaches Lorraine’s through sources such as the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, retail partners, and local donations, which still make up a large share of what the pantry gives out.
When local contributions slow, neighbors who rely on the program get less food.
Caisse said the shortage is not tied to any one source. Community giving has slowed, and food donations from retail partners haven’t kept pace as Lorraine’s balances pantry distribution, mobile support, and sit-down dinner service.
What can be done?
Lorraine’s is directly asking for holiday food donations. The pantry has published a list of needed food items, giving community members a clear way to help stock seasonal bags while also supporting regular pantry operations.
Lorraine’s is not relying on a single supply channel. The kitchen already works with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts along with retail partners, but community donations remain a substantial part of the overall mix.
The need is tied to services already in place — free groceries, mobile pantry support, hot meals, and holiday bags for clients visiting for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Additional donations can help Lorraine’s keep those programs going as demand continues to rise.
“We know that it’s tough for everyone. There’s challenges,” Caisse said. “So, we have to try to pick up the slack there and try to do what we can because we want to provide to everyone over the holiday seasons.”
Where can I learn more?
These stories show how other groups meet hunger needs and stretch food supplies when donations run short, or access is disrupted.
• In Wisconsin, a food pantry is closing the loop on food waste with gardens and farms.
• Across the globe, food banks provided 1.7 billion meals last year while keeping food from landfills.
• Marriott International has saved over 300,000 meals for communities in need through food donations.
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Dining and Cooking