by Deb Alter
Two Tuesdays ago, the Hoosick Falls Food Pantry thought they would be suffering a severe shortage of bread. This was due to the unexpected closing of the Freihoffer’s bakery outlet in Troy that had been supplying bread to the pantry for more than six years.
But HACA Executive Director Dianne Hosterman was on top of the situation immediately. Press releases went out to the media, letters and emails were sent to friends and supporters. She got the word out to anyone and everyone that the Pantry’s clients and volunteers were devastated and worried. The additional expense would have been difficult to offset if it had become necessary to purchase the large quantities of bread needed from wholesale suppliers. An almost empty bread rack showed the seriousness of the situation. Bread at The Pantry has always been available for anyone who needs it on any day The Pantry is open.
Channel 10 News got wind of the story and Mrs. Hosterman eagerly took the plight of The Pantry to the airwaves. Thanks to the response from the community and businesses to the media reports, the need has been met. On Saturday, a bread collection was organized by Laura Bull at the HFCS athletic field, which resulted in a collection of over 50 loaves of bread. Many businesses responded to the articles and TV report. As a result of Channel 10 News reporting the story, the Pepperidge Farm distribution center in Clifton Park has come forward and offered to fill the need. Mr. John Di Martino called on Thursday after the warehouse manager, Dan, saw the story on television. HACA representatives met with Dan on Friday, and HACA will make its first pickup on Tuesday, May 12.
The HACA Food Pantry is an all-volunteer organization that works hard to meet the needs of the community. It depends on the the generosity of people in the community to continue its work, and offers thanks to everyone for their concern and support.