Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry Debuts New Video

Thirty years ago in 1982, a dedicated group of volunteers cleared out a small cabinet in the basement of the First Baptist Church.  With help from the community, they stocked it with food and opened the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry (WIFP) with only one goal:  to eliminate hunger in our town.  Through the years, the pantry has provided much needed food items to those in need and doing it with care, dignity and respect.

 Nearly 70 people, including volunteers, donors, supporters and Board leadership, gathered together at Wakefield Community Access TV (WCAT) to celebrate the debut of a new video (Hunger Hurts:  A Community Responds) that shares the history of the WIFP and highlights the issue of hunger in our own community.  The video was enthusiastically received as a much needed educational tool to share with the entire town.  WCAT will air the video during these times on Channel 3:

 Monday, 8:30 pm

Wednesday, 1:00 pm

Thursday, 8:00 pm

Friday, 4:00 pm

Saturday, 12:00 pm

Sunday, 7:00 pm

Please tune in to WCAT and share your feedback by emailing info@wifoodpantry.org  or calling 781-245-2510. WCAT also posted the video on its website:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGkG2CckiaE

The WIFP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many people who volunteered their time, talent and money to make this video:

 The Video Committee:  Julie Bernardin (Chair), Flow Calore, Wendy Dennis, Elaine Gauetta, Jane Good, Beth Hendriks, Linda McManama, Maureen Miller and Sue Warden.

 Supporters:  WCAT, Wakefield Cooperative Bank, the Wakefield Community which has supported the WIFP throughout its 30 years.

Contributors:  Keurig, Elizabeth Lowrey (artist), Robyn Mather (marketing & branding consultant), Kelly Morgan (Narrator), Paul Reavis (Wakefield Town Hall), Shaws of Wakefield, Lee Martin (musician), WCAT (producer and video consultant)

“Once again, many talented and generous people stepped up to help the pantry with a major project,” said Maureen Miller, WIFP Director of Operations. “Everyone who views this video will get a sense of the heart and soul of the pantry’s mission from the very beginning and as it continues today.  Our founders were instrumental in creating an organization dedicated to helping our neighbors in need with respect, privacy and care and we carry on that tradition.”

 This video also highlights a number of real-life situations where local citizens found the support and food they needed at the pantry. “Everyone needs a helping hand now and again.  A job layoff, a disabling accident, the high cost of prescription drugs or medical care, skyrocketing oil bills during a cold winter – any one of these events may throw even the best laid plans to the wayside. That’s when the WIFP can help. Sometimes a helping hand is all you need to get back on your feet,” explained Miller.

 
In addition to the WCAT viewing times, the pantry is working to expand distribution of the video to the business community as well as the schools and houses of worship.  For more information about the video, contact Maureen Miller at 781-245-2510.

 If you are a Wakefield resident and are in need of food, you can receive assistance from the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. The food pantry stocks non-perishable and perishable food items. Twice a month, clients are eligible to receive a 4-5 day supply of groceries for themselves. 

The Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the:

Americal Civic Center, 467 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

The hours are:

 •Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

•Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

•Thursday 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Please bring proof that you live in Wakefield (e.g. utility bill). If there is an emergency situation, you may call the Food Pantry at 781-245-4510 for further assistance.

The WIFP would like to thank the Wakefield community for its generous support over the last 30 years!