The Town Food Pantry’s Double Bind

Most of the transactions we encounter in our daily efforts to “make a living” are governed by the laws of supply and demand, which dictate that economic incentives to increase supply are driven by increases in demand. But in the world of charitable giving — and taking — these laws are turned on their head. The conditions that create increased demand for charitable services — economic hard times — also suppress charitable giving. Nonprofit social service organizations around the state are now in this classic double bind of skyrocketing demand and plummeting donations.

Time and again, Newtown has shown that it is not the typical town. When a need is identified, various civic groups, from scouting groups to senior volunteers, rise to action to address the need. Just last weekend, volunteers from Newtown’s five fire companies filled their fire trucks with donated food, gift cards, and cash for the FAITH Food Pantry for distribution to local families in this holiday season. The nondenominational FAITH Food Pantry in St John’s Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook has a large group of supporters willing to step in when special needs arise. Consequently, its shelves are quickly filling to meet the holiday needs of those it serves, and we hope and trust that support will continue.

The town’s other food pantry, however, does not always enjoy the same publicity and support as its counterpart in Sandy Hook. The Salvation Army Food Pantry in the town’s Social Services Department in Town Hall South at 3 Main Street has severely depleted its resources just as the rolls of local families who need its help have begun to swell. The FAITH Food Pantry requires the individuals and families it serves to initially fill out some paperwork; records must be kept so that FAITH qualifies to be part of cooperatives and other food programs. The Salvation Army Food Pantry does not require such forms. Consequently, it often serves those in need who for personal reasons do not want to fill out paperwork. They are only required to show a document — a piece of mail, even — that proves they are a resident of Newtown or Sandy Hook.

Because of the recent surge in demand and slowing of donations, Newtown’s Director of Social Services and coordinator of the Salvation Army Food Pantry, Ann Piccini, told The Bee last week that people who usually visit the pantry once a week have been asked to come every other week. We hope that this is just a temporary situation that exists only because Newtown’s wide network of volunteer helpers and donors have not become fully aware of the town pantry’s plight. This past week, the students of the Reed School, took notice and conducted a successful drive for this sometimes-forgotten food pantry. We hope others will now follow their lead.

We urge the people of Newtown and Sandy Hook to help release the Salvation Army Food Pantry from its double bind by restoring an adequate supply to meet the growing demand. The pantry accepts donations of any nonperishable food item, dry goods, toiletries, and pet food. (Big Y coins are also welcome.) Donations are accepted from 8 am to 4:30 pm in the Social Services offices around back, and below, the Newtown Police Department at 3 Main Street, Monday through Friday. Or, for information on how you can help, call 270-4330.