The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry is expected to have a new home come this spring. Currently operating out of the First Baptist Church on North Main Street – which it had been for the last thirty-three (33) years – the food pantry found a new home.
According to Director David Perry, the new location will be 235 Nashua Street, formerly a wholesale distributor facility. Perry says the closing for the $148 thousand 500 dollar property is expected in a couple of weeks, adding that the space is larger and is expected to work out well.
The new location in the Niagara neighborhood is on the bus line from Rodman Street, and Plymouth Avenue. Perry says one of the features is that the new location is central, and a walkable distance from downtown, adding that it took about three months for the non-profit agency to find the new spot.
Renovations will include a new entrance and paint job. In addition, one wall will also be taken down in order to create a more open space area. The new location should be ready for business sometime this April.
In 2016, the food pantry gave 631 thousand pounds of food to four thousand individuals in approximately one thousand households. Perry contends that people come to the food bank when they need to, but admits that it is still difficult for lower class working families to take advantage of the offerings because of their work schedules.
Much of the food is from the Boston Food Bank, with other donations from Walmart, Target, the Boy Scouts, and other donors, including businesses and individuals. There are about 20 volunteers that donate their time to this good cause, Perry says.
Families can visit for free grocery items once a month, which may include some fresh meats and produce as well as non-perishable staples. People must sign in and show identification and proof of residency.
To donate to the capital campaign, send to the Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry, 235 Nashua St., Fall River, MA 02721.
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