July 7, 2025
Contact: Sandra Galvin
wellfleetpantry@gmail.com
774/722-3753
WELLFLEET, MA— Wellfleet Food Pantry volunteers greeted visitors and shoppers at a table outside the Wellfleet Public Library in support of the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce’s “WELLFLEET FIRSTs” event on July 5. This evening activity, designed by the Chamber to encourage later evening strolling and shopping, was a new event, and Board member Marcia Sexton and volunteer Harding Ounanian, Jr., who staffed the Pantry’s table, reported a busy evening. Dozens of local shops and restaurants also participated.
“Most folks who stopped by knew we’ve been working to build a new home,” Sexton commented, “which was a happy surprise, as many were from out of state. People were very supportive and encouraging. We had a chance to answer questions, and there were lots.”
Ounanian added, “We have a terrific newsletter, and a number of strollers added their email addresses to our mailing list.”
The Pantry expects to have a table at each subsequent Wellfleet First evening. Commented Sexton, “This was a great opportunity to help show visitors what a terrific town we have, and for the Pantry to raise awareness of food insecurity among our neighbors.”
Having outgrown its previous location at Grace Chapel, the Pantry moved last December into a temporary rented office trailer in the parking lot of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Route 6 in Wellfleet. The facilities are basic and expensive, but pantry volunteers and shoppers alike have adjusted to the change.
Food insecurity has increased in Wellfleet over the years. In 2014 the Pantry served 127 families, in 2020 it was 165 and that number has now risen to 220, totaling over 400 individuals. Twice a month, a Mid-Cape Home Center truck delivers 3700 pounds of food to the Pantry and shelves are quickly depleted.
Contributions to the Wellfleet Food Pantry’s Building Fund will be gladly accepted.
About the Wellfleet Food Pantry
The Wellfleet Food Pantry is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving the community since 1999. Providing nutritious food, fresh produce, fish, meats, personal care and household items, it functions as a mini grocery store for residents who need assistance to help ease financial burdens in difficult times. Affiliated with the Lower Cape Outreach Council, and staffed entirely by volunteers, the Pantry relies solely on community support and donations to ensure that those families and individuals can put food on their tables. For more information log on to www.wellfleetfoodpantry.org.