On Sept. 30, the summer version of the food pantry’s Fresh and Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Program will draw to a close. As with the pantry’s previous voucher programs, this one has been extremely successful. Many food pantry clients have used the vouchers to acquire at Hannaford and Brown’s Food Stand a good and consistent supply of nutritious fruit and vegetables for their families during the summer months. The pantry directors plan to re-institute the Fresh and Frozen Fruit and Vegetable voucher program when the next set of vouchers becomes available during the next few weeks.

The program, begun in 2015, provides pantry clients with vouchers worth $10 each. The number of vouchers per family is determined by family size, with six the smallest number given and 12 vouchers the largest number. Over the years the pantry has been able to conduct the three-month program several times during the year.

Many thanks for their generous support of the current voucher program are due to Hannaford and Brown’s Farm Stand, the Twin Village Foodbank Farm, to volunteers from the Morris Farm’s Harvest for Hunger Master Gardener program (University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service), and to local vegetable gardeners.

Pantry directors have received numerous positive comments from our clients about the program. A common theme is “I have never been able to give fresh fruit and vegetables to feed my kids until now!”

Donations of fresh and nutritious food and of funds to help pay for program expenses would be appreciated.

INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS

The Boothbay Region Food Pantry is located in the lower level of the Congregational Church at 125 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. It serves residents in the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb. It is open every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. and is accessible to people in wheelchairs. The food pantry is also open on the second Monday of each month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. If local schools are closed because of weather conditions, the pantry also is closed.

If you have a food emergency or other questions, call the food pantry at: 350-2962. New clients should provide proof of residency, such as your car registration, a recent utility bill, lease, or rent receipt. Clients should bring their own bags and boxes.

The food mobile of the Good Shepherd Food Bank will be in the lower parking lot of the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church on Oct. 2 and will distribute food from noon to 1 p.m. to anyone who wishes to attend. Please remember to bring your own bags and boxes.