To support National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 13-21, the Norfolk NET Food Pantry is running a town-wide food drive.

In the last few months, both financial and food donations to the pantry have decreased, while the number of individuals using the pantry has nearly quadrupled since the summer of 2020. In July to August of 2020, 21 requests were made to the pantry, with 54 individuals assisted; in September to October of 2021, 59 requests were made, with 206 individuals assisted.

The Norfolk NET Food Pantry receives donations of food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. The pantry is located in Battell Chapel, on the village green. Drop boxes for nonperishable items are available at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Berkshire County Store, the Norfolk Foundation Hub and the Norfolk Library. The most needed food items are Chef Boyardee, baked beans, peanut butter, jelly/jam, crackers, applesauce, canned fruit, juice, white sugar, regular coffee, gravy, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste and bar soap. Items not needed are canned beans, rice, pasta and soup. 

Perishable donations are accepted at the pantry only during open hours. Needed items include milk, butter, cheese, eggs, yogurt, chicken, hamburger, other meats, frozen vegetables, frozen fruit and frozen dinners.