Westborough Food Pantry "Almost Out of Everything"

The Westborough Food Pantry is "almost out of everything right now" as Thanksgiving approaches, Director Phil Kittredge says.

"We're the lowest we've ever, ever been on food, only because we have the most clients we've ever had," Kittredge said last Thursday at the food pantry, located at the Forbes Community Building.

The food pantry was serving 116 families as of last Thursday, compared to around 80 last year, he said.

"It's a combination of everything. It's better awareness. We're getting more seniors that are aware of us," as well as new immigrants awaiting work permits; homeless families staying temporarily at the Extended Stay America in Westborough; and people for whom "the federal government has cut the allocation of food stamps," he said.

In addition, "none of the food drives are generating the amount of food as they used to," Kittredge said.

"Our food drives are down probably 25, 30 percent compared to where they were two to three years ago," he said.

The combination of these factors has created "the perfect storm," Kittredge said.

Canned fruit and canned pasta are among the food pantry's needs, he said.

"Part of the problem is some of our clients don't have access to a full kitchen. They have either a microwave or just a hot plate. So, they can't take advantage of maybe some of the other food we're able to offer," he said.

The food pantry also likes to distribute cake and brownie mixes to its clients.

"We buy eggs every week. They can make a cake, or can make a batch of brownies, and it's going to go a lot farther than a package of cookies. And, they're fresh," he said.

For Thanksgiving, the Westborough Fire Department will "purchase all the vegetables for all our clients," a department tradition, Kittredge said.

"Traditionally, Roche Bros. donates a turkey voucher for all our clients. I haven't heard back yet. They've done that since they moved in," he added.

The food pantry accepts donations during its hours, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, at 9 East Main St.