Since volunteering for the Andover Food Pantry, I have become increasingly concerned about the amount of food needed to stock the shelves and the limited funds we have to succeed in this endeavor. Even more alarming is that the people we serve will not have enough food to sustain them in these hard times.

I know we have all experienced the hunger of a missed meal, but imagine missing a meal or two each day, every day. Perhaps this is what we need to remember when thinking about donating to the Food Pantry.

All of us who use the money donated to the Andover Lions Club to shop for the Food Pantry shop where the prices and selection let us get the best deal for the money. Among our travels, Big Lots in Belmont, at 96 Daniel Webster Highway, is a key destination. Their good buys allow us to stretch a dollar.

In a day and age when there are so many who need and so many demands on the local stores to donate, it is refreshing to see at Big Lots a store management that is truly concerned about its patrons, so much so that they actually offered to run a food drive to assist us here in Andover.

The manager at Big Lots, Glen Fox, Assistant Manager Randi Georgio, and the rest of the Big Lots employees went one step beyond helpful by running a food drive last month for the Andover Food Pantry. Due to their generosity and that of their patrons, our pantry shelves have been made more abundant.

Big Lots is running another food drive for the Andover Food Pantry in November! Please visit the store between Monday, November 5, and Thanksgiving, and look for the donation boxes at the registers. Whatever is donated there will be split between the Andover Lions Club (which supports the Food Pantry) and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Laconia.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your humanitarianism and generosity.

I implore all those who can donate to do so, even if it is just one can of food. No donation is too little. Just like pennies can grow to be dollars, a small donation added to another small donation eventually can become a shelf-ful. With that said, this list below will provide some idea as to what is needed. If shopping isn’t convenient for you, you can donate money to the Andover Lions Club to be used in stocking the Andover Food Pantry.

Thank you all in advance for your generosity.

Food Pantry Shopping Lists

Staple, Non-Perishable Food Items: Donations of basic canned, bottled, or dried food items are welcome. Please be sure that donated items have not been opened.

The hardest items to keep on the shelves are:

Canned tuna, chicken or turkey, ham, spam, corned beef, beef stew, chili, hash, etc.

Canned ravioli, spaghetti

Macaroni & cheese

Peanut butter, jelly, jam

Hearty soups (providing a complete meal)

Baked beans

Dry pasta (especially macaroni), canned spaghetti sauce

Mayonnaise (for the tuna)

Side dishes (mashed potatoes, pasta or rice sides)

Canned potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, green beans

All fruit juices

Milk (evaporated or in a non-refrigerated carton)

Cereal

Coffee

Items we do not need:

Canned or dried beans (other than canned baked beans, which are very popular)

Baby food

Condensed soup

Ethnic or exotic foods

Unusual condiments, relishes, sauces, or other unusual foods

Aside from food items, donations of non-food items allow people in need to use their resources for food as opposed to soap and paper products. The following basic kitchen and bathroom supplies are needed:

Toilet paper, paper towels

Dish soap, laundry soap

Body soap, shampoo

Toothpaste, toothbrushes

Deodorant

Please keep a copy of this list with you and refer to it when shopping to make it easier. If you are anything like me, you don’t go anywhere without a list!

Finally, a special request to all who raise chickens. If you could donate eggs, they would be greatly appreciated. We have a small cooler, and plenty of egg cartons are available.

The Andover Food Pantry is sponsored by the Andover Lions Club and The Andover Beacon to provide basic necessities to those in need. It’s located downstairs at the Andover Town Hall and is open whenever the Town Hall is open. It’s self-service, no sign-up required, no questions asked. Take what you need, drop off what you can. Thank you!