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06/26/2015 05:12 PMThey came, they saw, they packed the pantry.
On June 24, non-profit Food Pantry of North Branford (FPNB) celebrated its new home with a grand opening "Pack the Pantry" event. Many from the community turned out to see the new space, bringing with them donations of non-perishable food and contributions of funds. FPNB operates out of space in the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church building, 1382 Middletown Ave. in Northford.
"We had a great turnout. We collected close to 800 pounds of food and we collected $8,275 in donations," said Lynn Riordan, FPNB co-founder and president. "A lot of people came in and were able to see the space. We had volunteers there to help bring food down, give tours and help everyone to understand the process."
Riordan said even more food is expected to come from those who couldn't attend the event, including a collection taken up by members of North Branford Fire Department. Riordan also thanked North Branford Rotary and North Branford Agway for helping to boost tallies on June 24.
FPNB officially opened its doors on June 6 and operates three "shopping days" each week: Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Fridays 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Any resident in need is welcome to come and get food during hours of operation; just bring proof that you reside in North Branford, said Riordan. FPNB is already assisting over 30 families per week, she added.
"At this point, we've had up to 32 families -- that's a lot if you include family members – it's over 100 people," Riordan said. "We've had just such a positive response. Every day that we are opening, we get new people. During our grand opening, three new shoppers felt comfortable enough to come in and sign up and shop -- during all that mayhem! That's exactly what I want, for everyone to be comfortable and happy here."
FPNB continues to reach out to work together with individuals, organizations and businesses in the community to keep the momentum going. Most recently, Riordan and North Branford Public Schools summer camp director Lauren Berry got together to find a way for K – 6 camp kids to help out with a project that begins next week.
"One of the hot items at a food bank is Jell-O and Jell-O pudding, and kids love Jell-O; so starting next week they're going to be collecting that for the pantry. They're turning it into a game. It's perfect because we wanted to make it something simple that doesn't take up a lot of space and that's valued, needed and enjoyed," said Riordan.
FPNB's June 24 grand opening included an official ribbon cutting with Mayor Anthony Candelora; and the presentation of a Certificate of Special Recognition to Riordan from the office of U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
Riordan said she's very grateful for all the support received from many in the year since she and FPNB co-founder Frank Forgione undertook the effort to create the non-profit and find it a home.
"I want to also say how grateful we are for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church opening themselves up to let us get established," Riordan said, adding church members Dean Heath, Laura Bunell and Nan Monde were "crucial" in ironing out the terms of lease.
"If those three people didn't step up, we'd still be looking for a home," said Riordan.
For more information, find The Food Pantry of North Branford on Facebook. To make a tax-deductible donation, mail checks to Food Pantry of North Branford, P.O. Box 403, North Branford CT 06471.