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Interview with Diane Meehan, Manager, Hilltown Food Pantry HCDC: Diane, you have been working with the Hilltown pantry for a long time. When did you start here? How many people do you suppose that you have served over the years? Diane: I began here in 1993. It’s been sporadic and because we serve many households repetitively, it’s been a cumulative thing. I’d say about 250 different households over the years. HCDC: Diane, who can receive Hilltown Food Pantry foods? Diane: Eligible, low income residents of the 7 northern Hampshire County Hilltowns. All sorts of individuals, including many, many working families attend our distributions. HCDC: What are the foods currently being offered and how much is provided at any one time? How often are the distributions made? Diane: People can come once a month for a “big pantry box” containing meats, canned goods, bakery products, fresh produce and personal care items. In addition, people can visit weekly for USDA items such as juices, canned veggies, tuna, peanut butter, fruits and frozen meats. These, however, are available only in smaller mixed quantities with fewer choices for participants. HCDC: Diane, how many people are involved, from beginning to end, in delivering this service to the eligible public in Goshen? Diane: Well, I do the shopping. Every Wednesday morning I go to the Food Bank in Hatfield where I work with 4 or 5 staff to select and load the van. The Goshen Pantry now has its own account. I can drive there and return directly to Goshen where our 6 dedicated volunteers unload the food and stock the shelves. All this is on the same day as the distribution. Our participants begin to arrive at 1:00 pm, and by 3:00 pm, most days, in excess of 1,000 pounds of food have been distributed. The Town of Goshen has been very generous in providing the public space for the Pantry, and we thank them! HCDC: Exactly what is the role of the Western Mass Food Bank in the Hilltown Pantry operation? Diane: The Food Bank is our main source of food. They collect food from huge national producers as well as regional grocery chains. Foods are sold to eligible activities, such as the Pantry, at 18 cents per pound. Some foods are free. HCDC: Where do all the other products come from and how do they get to the pantry? Diane: The Food Bank has been pretty comprehensive. A local baker, Bread Euphoria, donates weekly. We accept food drive donations from churches, Scouts, schools, American Legion, the Health Center, the Creamery, from the day care sharing our building and from individuals. Privately, financial donations go much further because our Food Bank prices are so low. HCDC: Diane, are you pleased with the way things are going this year? Diane: Yes…a big yes. This is the most stable that the Pantry has been for years,.due to the additional CDBG Grant support. Also, Hilltown Loaves & Fishes, representing many Hilltown churches, provides financial support and has been very helpful. HCDC: What would you like to see in the future of the Hilltown Pantry? Diane: I know that some people still don’t know we exist and I hope that we can reach them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, in the big picture, food pantries were no longer needed … but I am afraid we cannot see that far, at this point. HCDC: Diane, if I were to tell you that I knew nothing whatsoever about the Hilltown Food Pantry, what would you tell me is the most important community aspect of the program? Diane: One really important thing is our local staff. People are more comfortable with us when we are somewhat known to one another. The atmosphere of good humor lessens the stress that the participants feel in asking for foods. Also, ours is a pantry of choice. You can choose what you like from our inventory, to best fit your personal needs or diet. HCDC: Foods notwithstanding, do you think the Food Pantry offers a sense of hope to its program participants? Diane: Financially, yes. We also offer referrals to other helping programs, such as Fuel Assistance, health access, Food Stamps, etc. Also, pantries provide some independence from having to always lean on other family members, often for as long as one week per month. |
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