Visits up 65 percent at Brookline Emergency Food Pantry

By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent

A surge in the number of people seeking assistance at the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry has prompted the volunteer organization to expand its annual November appeal for donations.

The pantry located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, said it has seen a 65 percent increase in the number of people visiting the pantry for food in the past two years.

"No one should have to choose between eating and buying the medications they need, or between staying warm and having enough food, but families in Brookline face this choice every day," said volunteer food pantry manager Jim Margolis, in a press release.

"We need to raise awareness and reach more Brookline residents. The message is simple: This year, your charitable dollars are needed close to home."

This year, volunteers said the pantry is averaging 85 visits per week from people seeking food, which is up from 50 visits per week in 2009. The pantry is on track to serve 450 households this year, up from 287 households in 2009. As a result, the amount of food distributed by the pantry in is up from 65,000 pounds in 2009 to 110,000 pounds expected to be distributed this year.

The volunteer-run pantry is sending out mailings to about 3,000 Brookline homes in an effort to raise money to keep up with the demand. All of the money raised is spend on food and other essentials. The pantry is located in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 15 St. Paul St. in Brookline.

For more information about how to make a donation or help the pantry, call 617-566-4953 or email info@stpaulsbrookline.org.

--brock.globe@gmail.com