Swampscott Food Pantry 'Struggling To Keep The Tables Full'

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Even with recent donations, the need remains strong at the Anchor Food Pantry in Swampscott for residents who are struggling during the coronavirus health crisis.

"Anchor has been busy!" the food pantry alerted. "Despite recent trips to Costco and Stop & Shop we are struggling to keep the tables full. (Last) week we ran out of juice, shelf stable milk and coffee. Please think of us while you are grocery shopping this weekend. Any donations are appreciated."

While all donations are appreciated, the Anchor Food Pantry has an Amazon shopping wish list residents can follow if they want to pick up a few extra items for those in need.

Donations can be dropped at 43 Berkshire Street (porch drop off, anytime) or at Anchor (the Swampscott Senior Center) Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Monetary donations can also be made via Paypal.

Items generally in demand include: canned fruit (15 oz), fruit cups, 100% juice (½ gallons/boxes), honey, shelf-stable milk boxes, Feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, soap, ketchup, mayonnaise, flour (2-pound bags), canned tomatoes (28-ounce cans), black beans (15-ounce cans), bagged nuts, cereal (not Cheerios), ground coffee jars, cookies, microwavable popcorn, sports drinks, grated cheese, individually wrapped paper towel rolls, individually wrapped sponges and napkins.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

(Scott Souza is a Patch Field Editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)