Otis Food Pantry: Special Thanks to Otis Woodlands, Berkshire Soccer Academy, and Otis Ridge Garden Center
By Terry Gould
October 2026
As I write this today, I am thinking back over the past six years and where the Otis Food Pantry began. In 2020 we were still struggling with the effects of the Covid pandemic. The residents of our community came together to ensure that everyone in our orbit was cared for, that everyone could access food if they needed to. We wore masks and packed boxes and bags, placing them into the trunks of cars or dropping off at homes if need be. We continue to serve the community and be aware that every one of us could be one health crisis, auto accident, job loss, or natural disaster away from visiting the pantry.
Everyone is welcome at the Otis Food Pantry, and we have become the most amazing family with everyone offering donations and cooperation. Our patrons share their garden harvest, and our local gardeners do the same. Planting an extra plant or row and sharing with neighbors is the most amazing thing. Our Community Garden has brought us fresh food every week without fail. All your participation creates a true family in our community. Thank you.
In just the past couple of weeks in September, the Berkshire Soccer Academy donated not only their end of season food to the pantry, but an amazing number of colorful t-shirts that were shared far and wide. We can't thank the Berkshire Soccer Academy enough. When families are returning to school, the extra treats for their freezers and lunch boxes, not to mention the awesome tees to supplement wardrobes, are very welcome. Thank you.
Recently, Otis Woodlands began an online giving program for their residents, and the Otis Food Pantry is so grateful to be one of the chosen recipients of its donations. Thank you to every OWL resident who donates, both privately and through the giving program. We shop for meat and cheese every week to supplement the non-perishable donations we receive.
Thank you to Otis Ridge Garden Center and to anyone who made cold space available to keep things cold so that we can safely distribute to our pantry family. An extra thank you for the Town Hall Staff and Maintenance Department for going beyond the call to keep the food pantry running smoothly during the Town Hall Roofing project. You Rock!
As we move into the 7th official year as the Otis Food Pantry, we are humbled and grateful to everyone who has kept us in existence through donation of time, funds, and food. Our weekly volunteer team, shoppers, and drivers who pick up fresh food and baked goods every week keep the machine of the pantry running. Thank you to everyone who fills the magic blue box week after week.
The Otis Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 9 to 11 am at the Otis Town Hall. Non-perishable donations may be placed in the big blue safe box at the back door of town hall any time. Monetary donations may be sent to Otis Food Pantry, c/o MK Pinkham, PO Box 271, Otis, MA 01253. You may follow us on Facebook or email otisfoodpantry@gmail.com.
Monetary donations may be sent to the Otis Food Pantry, c/o M.K. Pinkham, PO Box 271, Otis, MA 01253. Follow us on Facebook at Otis Food Pantry. Our email is otisfoodpantry@gmail.com.
The Otis Food Pantry is grateful for your continued support!