Town of Stow Urges Residents to Support Food Pantry During Ongoing Government Shutdown

STOW – The Town of Stow encourages all residents to support the Stow Food Pantry during the ongoing government shutdown and looming interruption of benefits to families in need.

Nearly 42 million Americans did not receive their monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Saturday, Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance reports that more than 200 Stow residents currently rely on SNAP benefits to support their needs.

The Stow Food Pantry is a 501(c3) tax-exempt organization that serves as a vital lifeline for residents of Stow and five neighboring communities. Residents may support the Pantry in two ways:

• Via direct donation, either online at the Pantry’s donation portal, http://stowfoodpantry.com/help-us, or by mailing a check to Stow Food Pantry, P.O. Box 437, Stow, MA 01775. Monetary donations are preferred so that Pantry staff may purchase items most in demand.
• By donating non-perishable items at the collection bin at Shaw’s, 155 Great Road.

The Pantry is located at the back of the Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road. Residents in need are encouraged to call 978-897-4230 or email stowfoodp@gmail.com for an appointment. The Stow Food Pantry is committed to protecting the privacy of its clients.

The Pantry is scheduled to be open on Nov. 8, 9, and 21, and Dec. 13, 14, and 19.

“The federal shutdown is placing a significant strain on many of our residents, which only increases by the day,” Select Board Chair Megan Burch-McMichael said. “Stow is a place where neighbors help neighbors, and we encourage residents to do what they can to help those who may find themselves with an unexpected need.”