Boston Globe: Honoring Pat Tine

The Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry recently honored one of its late members for her contributions to the organization. At its 2011 meeting earlier this month, the organization announced Pat Tine had been chosen to receive its first annual Distinguished Service Award. Tine was a member of the organization’s board from 2002 until she died earlier this year. She also volunteered her time to help with pantry operations and cochaired the group’s annual holiday basket program. The award was accepted by Tine’s husband, Sebastian Tine. Also at the meeting, the group swore in a new president, Wendy Dennis, and several new board members. - John Laidler

As See in The Boston Globe on July 31, 2011

Press Release: First Annual Distinguished Service Awards

At the recent annual meeting of the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, a new Board President and several new Board Members were sworn in and the first ever Distinguished Service Award was presented.

WIFP Board of Director Changes

After serving as the WIFP Board President since 2004, Julie Theriault stepped down from the position, but will remain active as the new Board Treasurer.  “As I reflect on the incredible changes I’ve seen over my years as President of this remarkable organization, I am continually amazed at the dedication and commitment of the Board, the volunteers, and the entire Wakefield community.  In particular, I’d like to recognize our Director of Operations, Maureen Miller, whom I like to refer to as ‘the glue that holds it altogether’,” said Theriault.  Miller manages over 50 regular volunteers who organize the programs, serve the clients, sort the food and stock the shelves.

When Theriault took on the Board’s top leadership post, the pantry was serving about 100 households each month.  “The need for the pantry’s services continued to grow over the years and skyrocketed in 2008, when the bottom fell out of the economy. Today, we serve nearly 350 households monthly – that’s over 800 individuals, including children,” she reported. One of the biggest challenges for Theriault as President of the Board was overseeing the pantry’s move in 2010 to a larger location at the Americal Civic Center after many years in their home at the First Baptist Church in Wakefield. Since the move last summer, WIFP has distributed over 150,000 pounds of food to Wakefield residents in need.

Theriault recognized two Board directors who retired after many years of service:  Mary Joyce, who co‐ chaired one of the pantry’s largest programs, the Holiday Baskets, and who will continue to work with pantry operations as a member of the Advisory Board, and Kristen Mitchell who played a key role as Treasurer and who will also join the Advisory Board.  Theriault also welcomed incoming President, Wendy Dennis, as well as two new Board members, Elaine Guaetta and Linda McManama.  They join the current Board members:  Vice President Joanne Turco, Secretary Beth Hendriks, as well as Susan Bernhard, Flo Calore, Jane Good, Judy Gordon, and Sue Worden.

Dennis served as the WIFP Director of Operations from 2001 - 2005 and has continued her involvement on the Advisory Board since that time.  She now returns to a leadership position as the Board President. Dennis, a Wakefield native, is committed to making Wakefield a better place to live – volunteering with the Wakefield Climate Action Project and the Wakefield Farmers’ Market. Said Dennis, “I am blessed in that I am getting to stand on some great shoulders as I begin my work as Board President. I look forward to strengthening the pantry and its mission through increased Board development, community outreach, and new approaches to management and volunteerism.”

Presentation of the First Distinguished Service Award

One of the highlights of the 2011 Annual Meeting was the presentation of the first ever WIFP Distinguished Service Award, which was awarded to Pat Tine posthumously.  From 2002, when she joined the pantry Board, right up to her passing earlier this year, Tine was a tireless, soft spoken, kind, and gracious volunteer.  She was the congregational representative for the pantry from St. Joseph’s Parish, worked in operations, and co‐chaired the highly successful Holiday Basket program.  Her involvement with the many children who made contributing to the Holiday Baskets their tradition created a lasting legacy. The Award was accepted by Pat’s loving husband, Sebastian. “People like Pat don’t come into your life every day and all of us at the WIFP are grateful that she was part of our world,” commented Theriault.

Invitation to Participate in "Kids First"

Dear Wakefield Families,

The Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry has developed a program entitled "Kids First". The purpose of this program is to provide food to families with school age children during the summer months. Many families receive free or reduced breakfast and/or lunch during the school year, but this heip is not available during the summer. This is where the food pantry can help. We can provide you with the added food items to help replace those meals.

During July and August, the food pantry will be open on four dates specifically to provide food for the "Kids First" program. If you have a need, we encourage you to come to the Amencal Civic Center, 467 Main Street, Wakefield to pick up breakfast and lunch foods for your family. We will provide foods such as: Aunt Jemima pancake mix, Mrs. Butterworth's maple symp, Lender's bagels, cream cheese, Amie's Mac'n Cheese, Skippy Peanut Butter, Smucker's Jelly, Apple & Eve juice boxes, Keebler crackers and Vanilla Wafers, Ellio's Pizza, Tyson Chicken Nuggets, freezepops, Danimals yogurt, Polly-O string cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. The dates and trmes we will be open are the following:

7/9 9-11:00am
7/19 6:30-8:00pm
8/13 9-11:00am
8/22 9:30-11:30am

You may come to all four of these dates. You must show proof of residency.  In order to have enough food available, we ask that you let us know you plan to participate. You may respond in one of the following ways:

• Return the bottom portion of this slip to your school office by Friday 6/24/11.
• Email-the food pantry at kidsfirst@wrfoodpantry.org and let us know the dates you will attend by 6/24/11.
• Mail the bottom portion of this slip to WIFP P.o. Box 1624,wakefieid, MA, 01880 by 6/24/11.

The Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry is pleased to provide this program and we encourage those in need to participate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I plan to attend the Kids First Program on the following dates:

7/9         Yes / No
7/19   Yes / No
8/13   Yes / No
8/22 Yes / No

I have ____ school age children.
I will provide proof of residency during my visit.

Press Release: Letter Carriers Collected Over Four Tons of Goods

On May 14, 2011, the entire Wakefield community came together to collect over 4 tons of food during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) drive to Stamp Out Hunger across America, providing assistance to the millions of Americans who are struggling to put food on their tables every day. Now in its 19th year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which is always held on the second Saturday in May, has become the nation’s largest single‐day food drive.

“Once again we extend our warm thanks to those who participated in this food drive, especially all the letter carriers who picked up the donations during their routes and delivered the food to the pantry,” said Maureen Miller, Director of Operations, Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.  “The pantry is currently serving an average of 300 households or 800 individuals monthly and that number has been growing.  The generosity of the people of Wakefield is truly inspirational.”

Miller also thanked the more than 60 volunteers who helped with the sorting and shelving of the food donations. The Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry is a Volunteer Organization committed to providing food items to Wakefield residents in need regardless of religious affiliation, if any. Run by members from local organizations and concerned citizens, the WIFP is sponsored by donations of food and cash from Wakefield residents, civic organizations, businesses and congregations.  Additionally, the pantry provides referrals to other agencies for services.  For more information, please visit www.wifoodpantry.org or check out our Facebook page for photos and news.

Press Release: Letter Carrier Food Drive on Sat, May 14, 2011

The annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will take place on Saturday, May 14th. On that day, Wakefield residents are asked to leave a bag or box of non‐perishable food by their mailbox. Letter carriers will pick up the food on their postal route and deliver it that afternoon to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry (WIFP).  The Pantry is currently serving an average of 300 households or 800 individuals monthly and that number has been growing due to the higher unemployment rate and the difficult economy.  WIFP also needs volunteers to help with the drive especially on Saturday, May 14th between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. To volunteer, please sign up online at the WIFP website: www.wifoodpantry.org, or email: volunteer@wifoodpantry.org.

While all non‐perishable foods are welcome, donations of the following items would be most beneficial:

• Protein Group: canned tuna, salmon, sardines, chicken, ham, canned chili, beef stew, baked beans, peanut butter
•  Fruit & Vegetable Group: canned fruit (in its own juice), dried fruit, canned vegetables, especially corn and green beans, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce
• Pasta & Cereal Group: all kinds of pasta, a variety of cereals.
• Milk Group & Miscellaneous Needs: evaporated milk, jelly and jams, reusable shopping bags

Please note that the Pantry cannot accept any food items that are opened or past their expiration dates or canned goods with dents and rust.