Food pantry reports dubious distinction

Posted at: 08/31/2012 5:16 PM | Updated at: 08/31/2012 5:37 PM
By: Abigail Bleck

Tweet

BENNINGTON, Vt.--Food arrived to the Kitchen Cupboard  by the truck load.  And it leaves, by the bag load.  Since the food pantry opened its doors eighteen months ago, it has served 1100 families. 

People like Nancy Springer, whose disability check is gone by the end of the month, "Something to put in my fridge to cook up and they provide everything to me."

The need in August has been record breaking at the Kitchen Cupboard.  It's a long month, in terms of the food stamp cycle, but the beginning of the school year is also taxing.

"Families are getting ready to send their kids back to school and there are extra expenses with going back to school that are not in the regular family budget," explains Sue Andrews, Kitchen Cupboard Director.

The pantry provided statistic, that it serves one in four households in Bennington, demonstrates a dire need; especially considering there are 11 other food shelves in the community.  There is also a discretionary fund to help with rent and utilities and an affiliated free health clinic which are all run by The Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, Inc.

"I think this is something government should do I don't think you can rely on non profits to do basic human needs--shelter and food," adds Andrews.

But for Springer, the assistance she receives from the government just isn't enough to make ends meet.  So like many others, she's dependent and grateful for places likes the Kitchen Cupbaord.

"I think it's a tremendous importance," says Springer.

To contribute, send your tax deductible and charitable contribution to:

The Food and Fuel Fund

107 Adams Street.

Bennington, Vermont 05201