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State Funding Cuts Threaten Southwick Food Pantry

February 15, 2010

SOUTHWICK - An anticipated loss of state funding is putting the town in danger of losing its much-used food pantry and family support services.

Debbie Oppermann, executive director of the Greater Southwick Family Support Coalition, which serves Southwick, Tolland and Granville, told selectmen this week that June 30 marks the end of the grant contract the town has with the Department of Children and Families, the state agency that administers the funds.

The most telling sign that funding could be dropped, Oppermann said, is that the state began distributing money in portions instead of a one-time payment.

The food pantry, in the Christ United Methodist Church at 220 College Highway, is already operating on a six-month extension and has become an important economic bridge in helping parents feed their families, Oppermann said.

"I'm most concerned about the food pantry," she said. "It serves a lot of people and gets about 300 visits per month."

The Family Support Coalition falls under the state Community Connections program, which grants funds based in large part on a town's demographics, Oppermann told officials.

"They look at per capita income and the number of children living below the poverty level," she said. "In this community, we would not necessarily score high in those criteria, but we know there is a need."

Oppermann asked selectmen to consider making the food pantry a town initiative with a full-time employee, an option that she said she realizes is likely not possible at a time when all town departments are being asked to cut back.

"I'm not quite sure where to go from here," she said. "I know it may not be feasible for the town to take us."

Board of Selectmen Chairman Arthur G. Pinell suggested Oppermann explore all other opportunities, including enlisting the assistance of faith-based organizations, as well as that of state Rep. Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, and state Rep. Rosemary Sandlin, D-Agawam.

"We need to take a look at this at a number of different ways," he added.

He also acknowledged the important role the food pantry and Family Support Coalition plays in the community and assured Oppermann town officials will "do some searching out for other options."

"We know the value of the organization and that it is an important bridge for people who find themselves in stressful situations," Pinell said. "This board is very aware of the services you provide for this community and the value of it. We'll look for ways to support this."

 

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