Community Corner

HVCC Pantry Inventory 'Worse Than Bad,' CEO Says

Summer food donations are needed.

One look at the shelves at the Hockanum Valley Community Council Food Pantry on Wednesday told the story.

"It's worse than bad," HVCC Chief Executive Officer David Engelson said. 

One look showed he was not exaggerating. There were lot of empty spaces for a service that was handing out 3,500 to 4,000 food items a week last July and is now at the 6,000 mark. 

"The amount of clients keeps going up and the resources keep going down," Engelson said. 

The pantry, located on Naek Road in Vernon, primarily serves Vernon, Tolland and Ellington, but takes referrals from 17 towns. 

HVCC officials had to make a hard decision and cut down by two items what gets distributed to families each month. A family of two now gets 22 items, a family of three to four gets 27, a family of five to 6 44 and a family of seven or more 54. 

"The numbers are smaller, but it isn't shocking. The reality is we are trying to get enough food on the shelves to get thru the summer and we are not even close," Engelson said. 

One advantage is that the warm weather growing season has begun so pantry officials can go to FoodShae three times a week to pick up fresh produce.

Engelson said the fresh vegetables and fruits provide healthier meals, but also let pantry officials stretch the canned goods inventory toward the colder months. 

He said food drives are scheduled Friday at the Vernon Stop and Shop and on Saturday at the Rockville Stop & Shop. 

Engelson said summer foods like mac and cheese, cheese and crackers, pasta, sauce, juice, peanut butter and jelly are among the items needed. 

He said gift cards and cash will be accepted and issued a plea for donations any day of the week. 

The pantry can be reached at 860-872-7727.


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