LYNN —Â The Reduce Hunger Food Drive collects thousands of pounds of donated food a year and brings out the best in people, said collection coordinator Emily Potts.
“It is a wonderful way to see people’s generous spirits,” said Potts.
Launched six years ago by Swampscott and Nahant Democratic Town Committee members, Reduce Hunger has grown into a multi-community effort involving local supermarkets, shoppers and food pantries.
Volunteers typically accept donations on the first Saturday of the month outside stores like Lynn Stop & Shop. They introduce themselves to shoppers and hand them a list of non-perishable goods, including pasta, canned goods and cereals, identified by area food pantry operators as essential items needed by individuals struggling to avoid hunger.
Shoppers donate items to volunteers as they leave the store and Potts said the donated goods are transported to the Tree of Life food pantry operated by Sacred Heart Church in Lynn in a truck provided by Tree of Life.
She said Lynn Stop & Shop customers donated 3,000 pounds of food last Saturday to Reduce Hunger and said Saturday collections typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds.
“I’m always amazed at the generosity of shoppers and the management in all of the stores has been very supportive,” said Potts.
She said donors often tell volunteers about their own experiences with hunger and relying on pantries for food. Reduce Hunger is seeking volunteers for upcoming food drives, including its Aug. 10 collection.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Potts at [email protected] or call Ralph Edwards, 781-593-7364.