By Terry Gould
March 2026
As we emerge from so many weeks of bitterly cold weather here in Otis, we are grateful for the promise of spring, longer days and warmer sunshine. Winter did not slow the attendance at the pantry this year. We are so thankful for the continued support of so many people and organizations. Our shelves remained stocked so that all our patrons could access what they needed each week.
As I write this, the Pittsfield UNICO Project Committee held a Souper Bowl Community Food Drive. Businesses, civic groups and local Schools took part in this event. They collected and donated food to 20 food pantries. The Otis Food Pantry was one of the recipients. St. Mary's School in Lee held their Souper Bowl drive and donated all their donations to us. We received totes full of non-perishable food items and our shelves were well stocked.
Don and Tracy have once again delivered a truckload of non-perishables that completely stocks the pantry for weeks. We are so very grateful to this amazing couple who care for our community in this way.
Food insecurity tops the list of concerns for families and individuals all over the country. Without the continued support of our neighbors and organizations, food pantries could not exist. The individual support through donations, (both monetary and food) volunteers and larger collaborative help via Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Grown, Greenagers, Big Y World Class Markets, High Lawn Farms and many more are key to the continuation of all food pantries across the Berkshires. Volunteer drivers who pick up dairy, baked goods, vegetables and fruit from these organizations are amazing. (Looking at you, Larry, Brad, Jane, Mel, Jane, and Ralph.) The Wednesday team is a well-oiled machine that has established a reliable, friendly space for patrons to visit. (Thank you, Jane, Jane, Kimberly, Sarah, Nicole, Kendra, Karen and Terry.) The Town Hall staff who make sure we have a safe space and pitch in whenever they see that we need something are important members of our pantry family.
Maintaining a safe and welcoming space for anyone who visits the pantry is imperative. Being dedicated to this service week after week for more than five years is truly a way for neighbors to care for neighbors. Everyone who has touched or been touched by the Otis Food Pantry is part of a very special community. We are grateful for our local businesses, families, gardeners and individuals who remember us all through the year and make sure that we can continue to serve each other with respect, dignity and love. Thank you everyone.
