CLINTON – A project born out of the COVID-19 pandemic got a boost from a donation.
During COVID, the Clinton Senior Center, 271 Church St., opened a food pantry for Clinton seniors, called Stephanie’s Staples.
On Friday, Aug. 13, the senior center let the public know that the Central Mass. Agency on Aging provided a check for $3,000 to establish a senior food pantry.
According to a post on the Senior Center’s Facebook page, in addition to the usual staple items, this pantry will have items of use specifically for seniors.
“We will also have fresh produce and dairy items,” according to the post.
Debra Goodsell, director of the Clinton Council on Aging’s Senior Center, said Stephanie’s Staples was well received.
“Seniors were so happy to be able to individually go in an get items without having to go to the grocery store,” Goodsell said. “It was a so well received. Central Mass. Agency on Aging is supporting this mission. They are also looking to provide us with fresh produce. They are such a great source of support for us.”
The “Stephanie” of Stephanie’s Staples is meal site manager Stephanie Cerutti. She will be running the pantry.
“We will be using a space we now use for storage as the pantry,” Goodsell said, adding, “There are certain items that our seniors use that a regular pantry may not carry. Undergarments, denture grip, sugar-free items for our diabetics, heart healthy food items, etc.
“While at the center, we can also see if we can assist them in any other ways. Perhaps they qualify for SNAP, fuel assistance, or have other needs we can help with,” Goodsell said. “We are so excited to be able to help our seniors in yet another way.”
Donations can be made to the Clinton Senior Center. For information, call (978) 733-4747.