2024 Message From From The Board of Directors

In this era of too much negative news the Board of Directors would like to share some good news with our Chelmsford community.

The good news we share is the extent of support the Chelmsford community contributes to CFP’s weekly operation. We at the Pantry are humbled by this support. When we reflect on what it takes to operate a food panty its foundation of support comes from the community. In our case the Town of Chelmsford; the local businesses; town organizations; local schools; and our town’s residents. There are also other important contributors to our operation that include donors as far away as Hawaii, chartable foundations, and other businesses.

While the CPF is nonpolitical, it reminds us of President Kennedy’s inaugural address on that cold January 20, 1961 day, and his notable message to all… ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country. And so, our community has willingly and freely supported CFP in many ways without our requests.

Today, we have over 50 volunteers who work tirelessly every week to provide over 140 families with much-needed food. Among other things the Town provides us with a home. School children and town residents have food drives; provide donated food; and support us financially. We cannot say enough about the support from businesses, foundations, and organizations. All this activity is initiated by them. We at the Pantry are grateful for this support.

To say that 2023 exposed a food crisis would be an understatement. At the beginning of 2023 we were serving just under 100 families weekly. Today, we are serving over 140 families weekly. During the last three months of 2023 we have witnessed a spike in demand at the pantry. This is a partial result of increased grocery costs throughout the state. We have met this demand because of our community support and food provided by the Merrimack Valley Food Band and the USDA.

We at the CFP know that President Kennedy’s 1961 message have resonated in our town and to those who support us. Thank you all for your past and anticipated continued support in 2024. And to those families in need, we are here to support you throughout the coming year.

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