HARWICH – The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is marking 30 years of service this month.
The organization is celebrating the milestone with clients throughout the next two weeks and during their annual fall luncheon at the end of September.
In 1989, the Pantry began as a storage closet filled with canned goods at Holy Trinity Church, with a few volunteers collecting food donations and making them available to Cape Coders in need.
Today, the organization occupies a 12,000-square-foot warehouse in North Harwich, receiving and processing tons of food and donated clothing.
Currently, 650 are employed by the organization and they will serve approximately 10,000 people this year.
“It’s a wonderful organization and it’s a testament to the 650 volunteers who work here and are such a joy to be with,” said Family Pantry of Cape Cod Executive Director Christine Menard.
Two four minute videos were also produced by a volunteer as an anniversary gift to help tell the Family Pantry’s story.
The first video was created for new volunteer staff members, donors, and supporters, and gives and overview of the organization’s mission and its operations.
The second video is designed for prospective clients to help reduce their anxiety when coming for assistance for the first time.
Last year, the Family Pantry provided 1.9 million meals to over 9,000 unique clients.
They also distributed 33 tons of used clothing, and made numerous referrals to fuel assistance and other programs.
The 4,000 plus families they serve also receive Thanksgiving turkey dinners and holiday toys for families with children.
When asked about the future of the Family Pantry, Menard said they will always be there for Cape Codders.
“It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world, we will always be here,” said Menard.
“If the need is there we will be here, and that’s something that we really stress.”
The organization’s annual fall luncheon will take place on Sunday, September 29th.
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