WINDSOR — The Windsor Food Bank has a new, larger home after occupying cramped quarters in the Town Office for about 15 years.
The new food bank spot — in one bay of the former town garage that was retrofitted with shelves, freezers and a refrigerator — opened for the first time last week to praise from residents.
“There were 20 families, and they really appreciated it,” said Debbie Gray, Windsor Food Bank president.
The food bank is open from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
The move across the parking lot into new quarters was made possible by donations of almost $20,000, including a grant of $8,000 from The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation; and construction work completed by inmates from the Department of Corrections’ Central Maine Pre-Release Center, who were under the direction of Phat Tran.
The food bank, which supports its annual $12,000 operating budget through a series of fundraisers, received money for the construction from several town boards and officials, regional businesses and organizations, including the Transfiguration Hermitage, which donated money from a timber harvest.
An average of 30 families per month use the food bank, Gray said.
“I think we’re going to see more people coming,” she said.
Gray said the generosity of donors allows the food bank staff to make purchases to supplement food they buy from the regional Good Shepherd Food Bank.
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