In keeping with CDC and Good Shepherd Food Bank recommendations, the Gorham Food Pantry held its first “remote” pantry earlier this week, serving 36 families in the parking lot at St. Anne’s.  A drive-through layout was set up, with clients remaining in their cars.  After checking in and providing their family size and any special needs, groceries were assembled from previously packaged produce, milk, meat and supplies inside the pantry, and then brought out by volunteers and placed on a table for clients to collect and pack in their car. 

At last week’s pantry hours, the organization saw an increase of families who normally attend, as well as a number of new families; they expect the numbers of families in need to only increase in the coming weeks.  There are several ways that members of the Gorham community can assist the Pantry and their Gorham neighbors during this time: Follow Gorham Food Pantry Friends on Facebook for an up-to-date list of current pantry needs.  Donations can be dropped off at the Pantry bin at 299-B Main Street in Gorham, the bin at Baxter Library, Casco Federal Credit Union or at Gorham’s Public Safety building.  Larger donations can be dropped off by making arrangements by calling 222-4351 or emailing director@gorhamfoodpantry.org; Monetary donations to the Pantry will be used to fill in any grocery “gaps” in the coming weeks and can be made online via http://www.gorhamfoodpantry.org/donate.html.

The Pantry will continue to monitor updates by local and state authorities closely to keep both clients and volunteers safe during this pandemic and plans to offer drive-through visits until further notice.  Pantry visits, which had been recently increased to two visits per month, will be reduced back to the original one visit per month rule, in order to maximize assistance in light of with the increase in clients and any food shortages.  The Pantry is partnering with the Town of Gorham on deliveries to high-risk/elderly individuals who are sheltering in place.

If you are a Gorham resident and find yourself in need of the Pantry for the first time, it’s easy to plug in.  Visit us during any pantry hours and bring a copy of a utility bill or mail with your name and your Gorham address on it.  After a quick registration, you’ll be supplied with food during that visit.  If you are unable to visit the Pantry due to transportation or illness, please reach out to us at 222-4351, by emailing director@gorhamfoodpantry.org or via Facebook Messenger and we’ll work with you on a solution.

Gorham Food Pantry’s hours are Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m.