We’re fortunate to have great produce resources here in Cape to call on when we have our pantry distributions or for special occasions, including our annual ‘Thanksgiving Basket’ distribution, which we just wrapped up this week. We can’t thank Amy Lombardo, Jen Tinsman, and their volunteer group enough for their huge efforts to solicit food and financial donations (in the form of gift cards) for Cape individuals and families in need. This is a big effort for all of our Judy’s Pantry volunteers but we are truly rewarded when our recipients arrive to pick up their baskets (which are actually large totes and bags). We had 39 of them this year!

Special thanks to Penny Jordan who supplies us with potatoes, apples, carrots, squash, and onions at discounted prices. Our farmers and gardeners have been generous to us throughout the year.

We could not do this annual Thanksgiving distribution without the support of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church, which is truly our base and support for all of our efforts – parishioners even made over 70 sweet breads for us to include in these bags and totes. Lisa Stevens designs our produce bags which have become “keepsakes” for many. To top it off, The Lions Club stepped up to deliver these totes to anyone who was unable to pick up theirs. Thanks to all of you.

Even though our growing season in Maine is winding down, we’ll still be able to offer our recipients at Judy’s Pantry, wonderful storage produce. The potatoes, carrots, squash, beets, leeks, onions, parsnips, and other items are sweeter and at their best this time of year. This is “soup season”.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our good fortune to live in this beautiful town that has so many natural assets. But it’s the people who live here who give it the energy and “spice”. We are grateful to all of you.

Our food distributions will continue throughout the year on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month (between 3-5:00 p.m.), starting again in December. (A few exceptions will be listed in The Cape Courier, or contact Beth Owens.)