Brunswick Elks Help Stock Grafton Food
By Doug La Rocque
The Grafton Area Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church has seen the demand for its services increase by at least 20 percent since the COVID-19 outbreak. Always in need of donations anyway, this has put a strain on the pantry’s supply efforts. Stepping up to lend a helping hand was the Brunswick Lodge of Elks # 2556, who recently donated $2,000 to the pantry to help purchase food they might not otherwise have. According to the pantry’s Julie Darling, this money is particularly helpful when it comes to acquiring high protein meats and fresh vegetables which may not always be available from the Regional Food Bank.
According to Past Exalted Ruler Dale Loucks, the Elk’s donation comes from its National Foundation Gratitude Grant program, money earned by the Brunswick Lodge by meeting its annual per capita monetary assessment.
This is not the Brunswick Lodge’s first time coming to the aid of the pantry. Last year they donated $500 to help with the purchase of plastic bags with handles to help some of its clientele who might otherwise have trouble carrying a regular plastic bag.
The Grafton Area Food Pantry is there to help anyone in need, but primarily serves Grafton, as well as portions of Brunswick, Petersburgh, Berlin and Hoosick. The pantry is open Wednesdays from 9 to 11 am and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Deliveries to those unable to come to the pantry are also available.
For more information, or for emergencies, please contact Julie at 518-421-5070 or Gloria at 518-892-6722.
The Pantry is now a drive up service where guests stay in their vehicle and place their order in by cell phone.