ROCHESTER — Many people might not realize it, but the summer season can be an especially difficult time for local food pantries … and Gerry’s Food Pantry is no exception.
“In the summer months, the demand for food is higher because school-age children are home and not receiving school meals, plus food donations tend to go down; people just aren’t thinking about hunger as they enjoy their barbecues, outdoor activities, and vacations. Unfortunately, hunger knows no season and the need is real and critical as Gerry’s Food Pantry tries to provide enough food for struggling households over the summer,” says Torey Kortz, executive director of the Share Fund, which operates Gerry’s Food Pantry.
Here’s a way to help, says Kortz: Gerry’s Food Pantry will be holding their Annual Stuff-the-Bus Food and Diaper Drive on Sunday, June 9 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Hannaford supermarket, 290 N. Main St. in Rochester. Stop by and bring a bag of nonperishable food or, even easier, purchase a prepacked donation bag directly from Hannaford when you arrive. Donations of diapers are also being collected and monetary donations and grocery gift cards are always appreciated.
Bring the whole family to enjoy fun activities for all ages, continues Kortz. Youngsters will be delighted with a special appearance of PJ MASKS, from the popular TV series, anxious to meet their fans for hugs, high-five’s, and photo ops. Studios2Go will be available with their huge climate-controlled Video Game Truck to offer free video game play for all ages and skill levels, as well as tournament-style play for prizes. Preschoolers and their families can enjoy free rides on a big yellow bus thanks to Student Transportation of America, which is also providing another bus to STUFF with food donations for Gerry’s. Everyone can enjoy a bag of free popcorn and there will be giveaways for the kids.
To learn more about the Stuff-the-Bus event, visit http://bit.ly/2VRXz8y or http://bit.ly/2HMqQaC
