The Marblehead Food Pantry has stocked up on supplies and volunteers in advance of what could be a surge in need next week as people lose access to food benefits due to the government shutdown. Across the state, about 1 million residents may be impacted, according to Gov. Maura Healey.
Benefits are set to expire at the end of October.
“We’ve been in touch with the schools and have received a lot of inquiries as to how the community can help,” Marblehead Food Pantry Director Marcy Schwam told the Current on Friday.
“The pantry has added extra volunteers for our distribution shifts to cover additional people and move them through quicker,” Schwam added. “The Salem mobile pantry will visit us on Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m., and be ready for an influx. It’s a bit uncertain how long this all lasts.”
The Food Pantry is located at 80 Atlantic Ave. It is open Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m.
Typically, the pantry serves about 80 households, with the most popular items being basic baking supplies like flour and sugar, as well as canned goods like beans or lentils.
To donate to the pantry, leave non-perishable food items, paper goods and toiletries at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St. Turn down into the driveway to the right of the building and look for a sign near the entrance to the walkway into the building. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.
To make a financial gift, make checks out to Marblehead Food Pantry. Tax ID# 04-3276552. Mail your check to
80 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA 01945, or bring it to either of the above locations during their hours listed. (no credit cards).
To learn more about the Food Pantry, visit marbleheadfoodpantry.org. Hours at the Atlantic Avenue location are Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. You can reach the pantry at info@marbleheadfoodpantry.org.
