The Andover Food Pantry, which has been operated by the Andover Lions Club since 2006 has been closed, according to Virginia Edwards the Lions Club  president.
The food pantry, which was located in the lower level of the Andover Town Hall, operated quite effectively for many years with minimal supervision by the club. People from all over the region donated food to the pantry. Hannaford Supermarkets also provided meal boxes and other items. Proctor Academy also regularly provided frozen meals ready to be heated and eaten. Others provided fresh eggs, and produce from their own gardens.
Signs were posted requesting that people take only what they needed and most people did just that. The Andover Beacon office was located in the room next to the food pantry and the Beacon staff could keep an eye on things. After the Beacon office was moved, there was no longer any supervision and apparently some people took advantage and the shelves were quickly depleted after they were restocked.
In recent months the club decided to lock up the food and have certain hours of operation. Very few people took advantage of what was offered and the club voted at its last meeting to close the pantry down.
For those who do need assistance in obtaining food, there are still options. There is a food

pantry in the Towns of Wilmot, Danbury and Boscawen. The Twin Rivers interfaith Food Pantry in Franklin serves resident of Andover. Each food pantry is operated with different guidelines and policies. Inquiries at your local town office should provide information at what is available for your town.
The Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry is located at 2 Central Street, across from Benson Auto Co. in Franklin. For information call: (603) 934-2662.