PRESS RELEASE

Chicopee Reallocates Funds to Address Challenge of Food Insecurity

CHICOPEE – Given significantly increased community demand on the food pantry and meal programs, the City has reallocated federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to address the growing challenge of food insecurity.  “Based upon the data from Lorraine’s Food Pantry and the School Department’s lunch program, it is clear that more Chicopee residents are experiencing food insecurity” stated Mayor Vieau. He continued “The federal CARES Act provided flexibility to CDBG funds. We are using that flexibility to support two food programs”.

CDBG funds will be immediately available to support the efforts of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry at 170 Pendexter Ave and the Council on Aging’s Program at River Mills, 5 W Main St.

Lorraine’s has expanded its Pantry operating hours and is now open M-F from 10-2. 

The River Mills Meals program operated through the Council on Aging has been expanded to provide an evening meal on Monday, Wed and Friday. Meals for weekends are distributed on Friday. Distribution is done via a curbside pick-up between 1:30- 3.  A $2 donation is encouraged; reservations are required and can be made by calling 413-534-3698 the day before.  

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