MUSINGS OF A LOCAL - By Iris Mead The Community Food Pantry is Here to Help

MARGARETVILLE — THE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY OF MARGARETVILLE IS HERE TO HELP our local residents experiencing food shortages during this winter season and at any time. FOOD INSECURITY IS ON MOST PEOPLE’S MINDS IN THIS TIME OF RISING FOOD COSTS ALIGNED WITH HEATING COSTS SPIRALING IN MOST COMMUNITIES IN OUR AREA.

This article is a follow-up to my November 15, 2024 article on the Community Food Pantry and to remind people that it is here to serve the local communities of Margaretville, Arkville, Fleischmanns, Halcottsville and surrounding areas. The volunteers who staff the pantry hope that this article will bring attention to this important lifeline in the area.

Established after Tropical Storm Irene in its location on Route 28 near Sanford’s Auto Parts, it has helped many of our area residents manage food insecurity while living in an area with a high poverty rate and low median household income. It is a lifeline for our clients, not only for the food they select, but also connecting with the volunteers who staff the Pantry.

Thanks to the many donors who support the Community Pantry, it is able to be fully stocked with canned goods, dry goods, and surprise offerings at times. Fresh local produce arrives in late spring and through the summer thanks to local gardeners who donate overflow from their gardens. Milk, eggs and butter are always available. Meat is also always available but changes frequently depending on what Delaware Opportunities provides. Personal care products are sometimes available.

This winter looks to be very cold and snowy if it continues on the track it has taken so far. The Community Pantry is here to provide food. It is very easy to start a monthly visit, you simply show a form of identification and fill out a very short form with address and family members. The volunteers on duty will help with that. They are always aware that sometimes a person may need food help before their next monthly visit and they will assist with that. No names are ever disclosed and privacy is valued by the staff.

Located at 42838 State Route 28, a bit set back from the road, the Pantry is open on Friday evenings from 4:00 – 6:00 and on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:00. The telephone number is 845-2233 and messages are picked up regularly. We invite anyone to stop by, ask questions and sign up. If you know of anyone that may need food assistance, please tell them to stop by and sign up or let the volunteers on duty know so that person/family can be contacted.