Otis Food Pantry Update

By Terry Gould

April 2025

Winter is finally behind us; getting ready for planting of gardens and enjoying spring flowers. The Otis Food Pantry had a very busy winter. Without the support of everyone in Otis we would be unable to keep going. There is much uncertainty at food assistance sites right now, and rumors are many regarding federal funds. We continue to move forward and keep our eyes and ears open to any new developments.

So many of you stepped up when we had our egg carton emergency. Thank you to everyone who dropped off empty egg cartons for us to use over the weeks we were receiving eggs in bulk flats. We have been able to separate eggs for all our patrons.

We hope that the farms who supply us with local produce through the summer will receive their needed funding to be able to continue. We are putting our heads together to come up with new ideas for sourcing local produce.

Thank you to Otis Ridge for sharing their canteen extras when they closed for the season. We are so grateful. And thank you to all of you who drop off non-perishables and monetary donations to keep the shelves full. Once again, we would like to thank the Town of Otis for hosting the food pantry every week for the last almost five years. Thank you for making us feel welcome. To our volunteers who show up, without fail, every week we appreciate your care of all our visitors.

The food pantry is scheduled to take part in the Wellness Fair that will be held at the Farmington River Elementary school the first week in April. Food insecurity is felt across all ages, and we would like everyone to know about the pantry. People can visit weekly or just once or twice if that is helpful.

As we continue to move into summer it will be wonderful to move things back outside. It was a long cold winter, and we are grateful for spring. Thanks again everyone. Cheers.