Gardner City Council Organizes Food Drive
The Gardner City Council is sponsoring a community food drive scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The objective of the drive is to stock the food pantries of the Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (MVOC) and the Gardner Community Action Committee (CAC) in preparation for the holiday season. Listen to this short statement from Gardner City Councilor Judy Mack. CLICK PLAY.
Donations will be collected directly outside four local commercial grocery and retail locations and delivered to the recipient pantries on the same day. The initiative requests specific non-perishable food staples, holiday cooking ingredients, gluten-free items, and financial contributions (cash or gift cards).
Organizational Framework & Key Stakeholders: Sponsor: Gardner City Council – Beneficiary Organizations: Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (MVOC): An organization dedicated to serving all veterans and Gardner Community Action Committee (CAC): A local community action committee operating a regional pantry. Primary Objective: Mobilize community donations to fully restock local pantries ahead of the holiday season.
Schedule & Delivery: Date: Saturday, November 14 – Collection Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Distribution Logistics: All items collected outside designated drop-off points during the morning window will be transported directly to the MVOC and CAC pantries that same day.
Designated Drop-off Locations: – Donations will be accepted outside the entrance of the following four retail sites: Price Chopper, Aldi, Walmart, and Hannaford.
Requested Donation Inventory: The event organizers have outlined specific pantry needs, categorized by general items, special dietary requirements, and non-food monetary assistance. Suggested Food Items include the following: Canned & Jarred Goods: Canned fruit, canned vegetables, applesauce, jelly/jam, pudding cups, spaghetti sauce, soups (pop-top and ramen), cranberry sauce. Grains, Dry Staples & Baking: Pasta, rice, instant mashed potatoes, baking mixes (cookies, muffins, cornbread), gravy mixes, crackers. Proteins & Oils: Peanut butter, spices, cooking oils. Snacks & Beverages: Granola bars, fruit snacks, juice boxes.
Special Considerations & Financial Support” Gluten-Free Items: Highlighted as a continuous high-priority need (“always needed”). Monetary Contributions: Cash and gift cards are explicitly requested and noted as “always appreciated.”