North Adams Food Pantry Offers Transportation Solution

At a recent Community Conversation on Poverty held at MCLA's Church Street Center, representatives from many sectors of the community came together to discuss the issue as it affects the Berkshires. One of the topics dealt with transportation.

The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry in North Adams is trying to be a part of the solution for those who utilize their service. The Berkshire Eagle reports that every Wednesday, food pantry volunteers offer rides from their Eagle St. location so that those without a car or other transportation don't have to carry home their groceries on foot. Drivers will also deliver to the homes of those unable to walk to the pantry.

The pantry had been spending money on taxi rides for those in need of help, until the volunteer driver idea was suggested and organized in 2015 by Phil Smith and others in the outreach ministry team at First Congregational Church in Williamstown.

The volunteer-run pantry serves families in North Adams, Clarksburg and Florida. I can't think of any organization that couldn't use more volunteers, so if you're interested you can check them out on Facebook.