NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire Veterans Agent Stephen Roy said the veterans food pantry is in short supply with an increased need in the community.

 

"We continue to see more and more folks in this time of need," Roy said. "The price of retail food in grocery stores has exploded, nearly doubling since 2021 with no end in sight. Although our food bank certainly doesn't have everything, it surely lessens the sting at the cash register when folks must buy what we don't have."

 

He said, with his assistant Tina Samson, the department has helped save local veterans many tens of thousands of dollars since the pantry opened in 2018 as a permanent home for the office's food and clothing donations. 

 

He added that since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been harder to stay stocked.

 

"We have a constant need for supplies, year-round. The time of year doesn't really affect how often those in need visit the pantry," Roy said. "Ever since COVID, we've seen our suppliers diminish and/or disappear altogether. We've been surviving almost exclusively on donations since 2021 but hope to see things change in the future."

 

Specifically, the food pantry needs nonperishable food items including canned goods, dried and boxed food items and generalized, bulk food items as well as toiletries and personal cleanliness items. Items can be dropped off at North Adams City Hall

 

"City Hall in North Adams is always best since there is an appropriate loading dock behind the building located adjacent to the food bank," he said. "However, if folks have donations needing to be picked up, we could certainly make a special trip."

 

Roy's office is located in Room 101 on the first floor of City Hall. He can be reached at 413-662-3040.

 

Roy services veterans in North Adams, Williamstown, Adams, Dalton, Clarksburg, Florida, Savoy, Lanesborough, Cheshire and New Ashford.