Community Circle Food Pantry moves to new site
Courtesy Community Circle For Pantry
From left are Community Circle Food Pantry volunteer Sonya Hobbs, Rotarians Brad Montgomery and David Hart, and pantry Director Melanie Wolfe. Each year, the Washington Rotarians donate more than 2,000 rolls of toilet paper, an item that is always needed by families served by the pantry.
Courtesy Community Circle Food Bank
Community Circle Food Pantry has moved to a new location at 70 E. Beau St., Washington.
Courtesy Community Circle Food Pantry
Community Circle Food Pantry is serving food-insecure families from its new location at 70 E. Beau St. in Washington.
Community Circle Food Pantry has a new home.
The Washington County food pantry operated from 69 Pine Ave. for eight years, but the building was sold earlier this year, and is being converted into a brewery.
Pantry director Melanie Wolfe said the pantry’s new location is 70 E. Beau St., Warehouse 1 in Washington, a block from its former location.
The pantry held its first distribution from the new site last Thursday and served 102 families.
“We had to find a new place. As soon as I found out we had to leave, I got on it and found a place. People need fed and they can’t be without a place to be fed from,” said Wolfe.
The pantry will continue to serve as a vital resource for families facing food insecurity, Wolfe said.
Community Circle operates from funds raised through donations, an annual Cash Bash, the Washington County Community Foundation Day of Giving, and a Christmas Food Drive held by McKean Heating and Plumbing. Additionally, it receives a portion of a state food grant to purchase food from Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and reaches between 640 and 700 families each month.
“It’s hard to feed people right now, there are a lot of families who need help. I’ve heard from clients that they’ve lost food stamps or are facing medical issues, and bills have to come before groceries,” said Wolfe. “You have to pay your bills and you need to pay for some place to live. It’s tough.”
Open three days per week, the pantry served nearly 700 families in September. Wolfe said the need will increase during the holiday months.
The impact of a community food bank extends far beyond just providing meals, said Washington Rotary member Tom Drewitz.
It also fosters a sense of solidarity within the community, encouraging neighbors to help neighbors. Schools, shelters, and social service agencies partner with food banks to reach those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the social safety net.
“Food pantries around here are so needed; they really make life better for a lot of people,” said Drewitz.
The Rotary recently donated more than 2,000 rolls of toilet paper to Community Circle Food Pantry, the third year in a row the organization has held a toilet paper drive for the pantry.
Wolfe said she is grateful for community members, volunteers and businesses who helped Community Circle Food Pantry transition to the new location.
Wolfe said the food pantry is accepting donations and non-perishable items.
“If you want to make a difference in your community and want to support local families, give to the food pantries,” said Wolfe. “It does make a difference.”