Donations, allocations down at food pantries

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a dire situation at some food pantries in Springfield where food donations are down, government allocations have been cut in half and the need is greater than ever.

In the city's North End, The Open Pantry has fed six-thousand more families this year than they did last year, but they now have even less to give.

"Our allocation of turkeys that's been given to us through the Food Bank has actually been reduced by half, so we don't have as many turkeys to give out to families in need," said Director of Community Services, Allison Maynard.

Donations are also down.

It's a similar situation at The Gray House down the street.

Executive Director, Dena Calvanese says they have about 120 turkeys that will be donated to them, but need to serve more than 200 families this year.

And they aren't getting much help, either.

"I have never seen such little good from the government.  They used to make sure you had something from every food group and lately, we're getting maybe two products from them.  It's really worrisome," said Calvanese.

The next Thanksgiving registration at the Open Pantry will be Monday, November 12 at 9:00 AM. 

The Gray House will hold registration from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 14.