In September 2023, Lenore’s Pantry’s headquarters, located in the basement of Town Hall, was damaged by flooding.
Six months later, the pantry announced it is reopening in March and seeking donations to restock the shelves.
In a press release sent on Feb. 1, Health Department Director Anne-Marie Fleming said the pantry is in its final stages of repair and in need of non-perishable food for those suffering from food insecurity.
Fleming said the pantry requires protein-rich food, such as Spam, canned chicken and solid white tuna fish in oil or water. Other shelf-stable items include canned chili, beef stew, canned pasta, soups, complete pancake mix and maple syrup, canned fruit, canned beans, oatmeal and potato mixes.
Additionally, Fleming said the pantry is seeking donations of health products, including shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent.
“We lost all of our food supply in September’s flooding,” said Fleming. “In the wake of the flood, we gave out gift cards to those utilizing Lenore’s Pantry since there were no items or space for us to hold goods. With the impending reopening of the pantry, we are looking to restock and once again fight food insecurity with the help of our generous community members.”
Lenore’s pantry, along with the Town Council chambers and the Town Hall basement elevator, sustained significant damage from a water leak caused by a series of flash floods on the evening of Sept. 11. Nearly 10,000 gallons of water flooded the basement with the cost of damage ranging between $120,000-$170,000. Because of the sustained damages, the pantry could not distribute additional Thanksgiving meals in 2023.
Despite their headquarters being unavailable, Lenore’s Pantry assisted other groups, such as the YMCA food pantry and Our Open Umbrella, in providing clients with Thanksgiving food bags. In addition, Fleming said the pantry continues to help individuals apply for food stamps, deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to residents and provide additional resources for those seeking food assistance.
“Because of the lack of access downstairs, we have been assisting with other community partners,” Fleming said. “We don’t want anything to go to waste.”
Donated goods may be dropped off at the Department of Health or in a bin at the Town Manager’s Office at the Town Hall, 43 South Washington St. Monetary donations and gift cards to major local food retailers can also be donated. Checks should be made out to “Lenore’s Pantry.”
