MARLBOROUGH/HUDSON – Thanks to a local running club, the food pantries in Marlborough and Hudson will be able to keep the shelves stocked, and provide Thanksgiving dinners as well.
On Sunday, Sept. 8, members of the Highland City Striders presented two checks of $9,500 each to the Marlborough Community Cupboard and the Hudson Community Food Pantry.
“The timing of this is perfect,” said Donna Dupre, president of the Hudson Food Pantry. “They are such a great organization.”
The proceeds came from the Striders’ “Running with the Wolves” event held in July.
“The Highland City Striders are so proud to continue the tradition of giving back to our communities, and so pleased to support the food pantries again this year,” said Peter Bakkala, president of the Striders.
Before the check presentation, Dupre led a tour of the facility at 28 Houghton St. After checking in at the desk, clients can take a shopping cart and “shop” for what they need.
“It’s a true shopping experience,” said Dupre.
The pantry is stocked with canned goods and other nonperishable items; it also offers fresh produce, baked goods and other essentials such as diapers, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The pantry also keeps bags full of essentials, so that those seeking assistance don’t leave empty-handed.
Like other food pantries in the area, Hudson and Marlborough have seen an increase in demand over the past year. According to Barbara LaGrenade, director of the Marlborough Community Cupboard, they see about 800 families a month. In Hudson’s case, the Food Pantry helped 59 families on Saturday, Sept. 7.
They’ve been able to keep up with help from volunteers, donations from local supermarkets, and contributions from groups such as the Striders.
“We try to make the best use of what we get,” said Dupre.
LaGrenade said the funds will be used toward the Cupboard’s Thanksgiving program.
“We were so touched to see the dedication of the HCFP team in fighting food insecurity in the community, as well as the enthusiasm for our donation,” said Bakkala.
If you like to run or walk, and help local food pantries, join the Striders in their annual “Tough 10 & Fast 5 Turkey Trot” on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. There’s no entry fee, but participants are asked to bring 15 canned goods. Register via www.highlandcitystriders.org.
There will be medals for top finishers, prizes distributed randomly from local businesses, and awards for the three largest teams.
What’s needed (and not needed)
Donations of nonperishable goods are welcome at both pantries – nothing expired, torn or damaged in any way.
Cereal, diapers, baby wipes and pet food are among the items most in demand.
For the time being, Dupre is requesting no “sweet beans” – Boston baked beans – no canned pumpkin pie filling, no green beans and no cranberry sauce.
LaGrenade is requesting no peas.
For information about the Hudson Food Pantry, visit https://hudsoncommunityfoodpantry.org/
For information about the Marlborough Community Cupboard, a program of the United Way of Tri-County, visit https://www.uwotc.org/mcc