Every year during March, First Parish has a month-long collection for the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry. Housed in the basement of the Church of Our Redeemer, it has been active in Lexington since 1990, when the Lexington Council of Churches, including First Parish, founded the program.

The Pantry is coordinated by Carolyn Wortman, who directs the entire operation with the help of a large, unpaid staff of volunteers from most of the faith communities in Lexington. In recent years, the number of families serviced has grown to more than 70 per week. Financial eligibility at the Pantry is determined and certified by Lexington’s Social Service Director. Typical shoppers served are the elderly; individuals who are unemployed or underemployed; low income families with children; and people with medical or mental health issues. Most clients are Lexington residents, as well as residents of local towns that do not have a food pantry.

There are two ways you can help during the month of March. First, please donate personal care products, which are not covered by the Federal food stamp programs. These include shampoos, lotions, dental care products, and other toiletries. Products containing alcohol or hotel sized items will not be accepted. There will be baskets at both entrances to the church marked Food Pantry donations. We will also continue to accept non-perishable food items as we have been doing on an ongoing basis.

The second way you can help is by making a monetary donation during the special plate collection on Sunday, March 5th, when all proceeds will go the Pantry. Carolyn Wortman will be at the service to speak briefly about the current status of the program and its benefits to many Lexington residents.

Thank you as always for your generosity of spirit and gifts to others in need. If you have any questions or want more information about the Lexington Food Pantry, please contact Lynne Yansen.