Season of transitions

Judy’s Pantry will continue to be open every Tuesday afternoon from 3-5 p.m. through Thanksgiving, but this is the time of the year when fresh produce is less plentiful and non-perishable items are in greater demand.

The pantry is still receiving potatoes, parsnips, carrots and squash from local farms, but they are in need of additional donations of certain non-perishable foods, such as dried fruits (raisins, applesauce, and other no or low-sugar varieties are preferred), healthy snacks for school lunches like granola bars, tuna fish, hearty soups and pasta sauce.

Non-perishable items should be placed in the shopping cart in Fellowship Hall of the church or inside bags inside the door along the back hallway.

The pantry has received over 4,000 pounds of produce this year from five Cape farms, two Cape Community Gardens and several individuals.

In September, the Pantry had 149 visitors in total for the five Tuesdays for an average of 25-35 families each week. In addition to the produce and non-perishable items, individuals and families coming to the pantry also could take home fresh cut flowers from volunteers at the Pantry and bread donated by Scratch Bakery in South Portland.

Also in September, the Pantry received a very generous check for $2,000 from the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Lions Club.

Click here for more information on Judy’s Pantry: Pantry