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 service will not have enough food to sustain them in these hard times.

I also at this time would like to remind people that the purpose for the food pantry was and is to provide food for those people who are in need of assistance. I ask that those who do utilize the food pantry be mindful of this and take only what they need, so that all can have some food.

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 using or donating to the food pantry.

I would like to take the time to thank all the wonderful people in this town who so generously give to the pantry, either by donating food or sending money to the Andover Lions Club in the name of the Andover Food Pantry. 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 full. With that said, this list below will provide some idea as to what is needed. Thank you all in advance for your generosity.

Staple, non-perishable food items. Donations of basic canned, bottled, or dried food items are welcome. The hardest items to keep on the shelves are:

• Canned tuna, canned chicken or turkey, canned ham, canned spam, canned corned beef, beef stew, chili with or without beans, hash etc.

• Canned ravioli, spaghetti, with meat balls or without

• Macaroni and cheese

• Peanut butter, jelly, jam

• Hearty soups (providing a complete meal)

• Baked beans

• Dry pasta (macaroni as opposed to spaghetti), canned sauce

• Mayonnaise (for the tuna)

• Quick-cooking rice

• Side dishes (mashed potatoes, Knorr pasta or rice sides (store brands make the dollar go farther )

• Canned potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, string beans

• Canned fruit, canned juice

• Milk (evaporated or in a carton)

• Cereal

• Coffee

Items we do not need:

• Dried beans

• Condensed soup

• Canned beans (other than Baked, which are very popular)

• Ethnic or exotic foods

• Unusual condiments, relishes, sauces, or other unusual foods

Please be sure that donated items have not been opened.

The golden rule is a great guide. If you wouldn’t want to eat it, chances are neither will anyone else.

Aside from food items, donations of non-food items would allow people in need to use their resources for food as opposed to soap and paper products.

The following are needed non-food items :

• Basic kitchen and bathroom supplies

• Toilet paper, paper towels

• Dish soap, laundry soap

• Body soap, shampoo

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes

• Deodorant, etc.

Keep a copy of this list with you and refer to it when shopping to make it easier. If you are 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 refrigerator now, and you can have egg cartons we collect for local eggs.

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 questions asked. Take what you need, drop off what you can. Thank you.