Middleport Food Pantry Seeks New Home as Church Closure Looms
The Middleport Food Pantry, a vital community resource, is facing an uncertain future as the Diocese of Buffalo recommends the closure of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, the pantry's current home. With the impending changes, the pantry's organizers are actively seeking a new location to continue their mission of serving local families in need.
Feeding the Community: Middleport Food Pantry's Unwavering Commitment
Adapting to Change: The Pantry's Search for a New Home
The Middleport Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for the community, providing essential food assistance to approximately 45 families in the village and surrounding towns of Hartland and Royalton. However, the pantry's current home, the rectory building at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, is facing an uncertain future as the Diocese of Buffalo recommends the closure of the church as part of its consolidation plan.According to Dennis McAvoy, the food pantry organizer, the pantry has not received direct communication from the diocese regarding the building's future, but was notified by the church's clergy to explore alternative locations to house their operations. "We were told that we'll probably have to leave by October 1," McAvoy said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.The impending closure of St. Stephen's church, which the diocese has recommended be merged with Holy Trinity church in Medina, has left the pantry's future in limbo. McAvoy is hopeful that the community will once again rally to support the pantry, ensuring its continued operation and ability to serve the local residents.
A Legacy of Community Support: The Pantry's History and Volunteers
The Middleport Food Pantry has a long and storied history, having been in operation for almost 40 years. The pantry was previously housed in a building at Vernon Street and Park Avenue before finding its current home at St. Stephen's church in 2021.The pantry is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers from multiple churches in the village, showcasing the community's unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. "We have a lot of people who contribute to it as far as donation of food, money and things like that. Those are the people really behind everything and support us," McAvoy said, highlighting the vital role that the community plays in sustaining the pantry's operations.
Ensuring Accessibility and Functionality: The Search for the Ideal New Location
As the pantry prepares to relocate, McAvoy emphasizes the importance of finding a new space that is both handicap accessible and offers adequate room to store and distribute the food that is provided to the community on a weekly basis. Ideally, the new location would be within the village limits, ensuring that the pantry remains easily accessible to the families it serves.The pantry's current operations are open every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., providing a consistent and reliable source of food assistance to those in need. This schedule and accessibility will be crucial considerations as the pantry's organizers search for a new home.
Community Rallies to Support the Pantry's Future
The Middleport Food Pantry has long been a vital part of the community, and its impending relocation has sparked a renewed sense of urgency and support from local residents. McAvoy is hopeful that the community will once again step up to ensure the pantry's continued operation, whether through the donation of a suitable space or other forms of assistance."We were told that we'll probably have to leave by October 1," McAvoy said, underscoring the need for a swift and coordinated response from the community. The pantry's organizers are actively reaching out to the village hall and exploring all available options to secure a new home, with the goal of maintaining the pantry's essential services without disruption.As the Middleport Food Pantry faces this challenge, the community's unwavering support and commitment to the pantry's mission will be crucial in ensuring that the families who rely on its services continue to receive the assistance they need during these uncertain times.
