By Terry Gould

June 2026

The Otis Food Pantry welcomes you to summer! We have waited a long time. At this moment, we are watching the forsythia go by and hoping for warmer nights so that gardeners all over town can finally plant. 

The pantry is looking forward to a shared harvest once again this season. So many of you have decided to plant a little extra to share with us, and we are so grateful. 

Food prices are way up, and SNAP and WIC are still in flux. People are experiencing more food insecurity than we have seen since the pandemic. We have seen a need for more shelf-stable items that can be used long-term. Canned goods of soups, fruits, and vegetables have been more desirable, and we find our donor families will add an extra can or two to their fresh vegetables each week. As we move into the summer months, we benefit from fresh produce from Berkshire Bounty, Farm to Food, and our Community Garden. Normally, there is a decline in shelf-stable needs, but that is not the case right now. That extra jar of peanut butter or jelly is more welcome than ever. So, if you are out food shopping and remember us, we hope you will add an extra non-perishable item or two to your carts.

The food pantry is open each Wednesday from 9 to 11 am. Non-perishable donations may be placed in the safe box at the back door of Otis Town Hall. We check it each day. 

If you wish to donate perishable items or fresh food from your garden, please stop in between 8 and 9 on Wednesday mornings. A volunteer can also be arranged to pick up garden offerings on Tuesday late afternoon or Wednesday mornings before 8 am. Text or call (413) 207-4028 and we will arrange pick up with you. 

Thank you, everyone.