Food Drives Support Families

A food drive by Weston Police over the weekend collected donations for the Weston Food Pantry, and in a time of acute concern about food insecurity, other opportunities exist to help stock the pantry’s shelves.

On Saturday November 22 members of the Kiwanis Club will be stationed outside Lily’s Weston Market and Weston Pharmacy to collect donations of non-perishables and personal care products. Cash donations and Venmo payments are also welcome.

The Weston Food Pantry, operated by volunteers, aims to hold a strong inventory and make sure no one in town goes hungry. In general, needs typically include non-perishable unexpired foods, pet food, toiletries, household products, and cleaners. As examples:

• Canned fish and meat, such as tuna, salmon, chicken, and ham.
• Breakfast food such as oatmeal, cereal, pancake mix, and syrup.
• Drinks: apple juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water.
• Paper towels and toilet paper.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes.
• Laundry detergent.
• All-purpose cleaners.
• Cat and dog food.

An ongoing Thanksgiving Food Drive at St. Francis of Assisi Church is underway, sponsored by the SFA Women’s Guild and the Knights of Columbus. Donations can be dropped off in the back of the church (35 Norfield Road) through November 16.

A list of suggested items includes:

• Boxed stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, rice (of any kind)
• Canned gravy or packets
• Canned vegetables: sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, spinach, beets
• Canned fruit: mandarins, pears, peaches, pineapple, fruit cocktail
• Baking ingredients: flour, sugar, breadcrumbs
• Baking mixes: cornbread, Bisquick, rolls
• Dessert ingredients: brownie and cake mix, canned pumpkin, pie filling, pie crust mix, milk (evaporated or condensed), packaged cookies or chocolate
• Small bottles of: cooking oil, seasoning packets, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa packets, apple sauce, and paper goods
• Non-alcoholic beverages: water, seltzer, cider, apple juice
• Gift cards