The West Hartford Food Pantry Needs Your Help

Donations to West Hartford's Food Pantry tend to drop off in the summer, when food drives and other events are not as numerous, but that doesn't mean people aren't hungry.

In fact, the needs may actually be greater.

"Children who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year are home now, and it takes a greater chunk out of the weekly budget to keep enough food on the table for many of our lower income families," said Linda Hanson, Volunteer Coordinator with West Hartford's Department of Human and Leisure Services.

One upcoming event that will benefit the Food Pantry is a performance by Lonesome Eddie & the Bird Dogs at the Prospect Cafe on August 24, beginning at 7 p.m. The band asks that anyone who attends bring non-perishable items to donate to the West Hartford Food Pantry.

Lonesome Eddie will be joined by special guests, The Brass Puppies and The Strays.

"The West Hartford Food Bank is desperately low on donations, and we can all make a difference," said Ed Carr (a.k.a. "Lonesome Eddie"). The band will deliver all donations to Town Hall.

The following is a list of items which Hanson said the pantry desperately needs:

• Canned corn (no green beans please)
• Canned fruit
• Peanut butter and jelly for those sandwiches
• Tuna
• Macaroni & cheese
• Small bags of rice
• Spaghetti (no other pastas)
• Small bottles of cooking oil
• Small bags of flour or sugar
• Coffee and teas are luxuries, but greatly appreciated

"In fact, all donations to the pantry are greatly appreciated," Hanson said.

Donations can be dropped off on carts available at the right side of the Town Hall lobby.

Contact Linda Hanson at  lindah@westhartford.org or 860-561-7567 with any questions.