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The Mansfield Food Pantry is an invaluable resource to the community. Non-profit, and completely volunteer run, this local food service provides groceries for a large amount of families each week. Barb McConnell, who organizes and coordinates much of the Food Pantry’s functions, shared that there are two other locations in Tioga County (Wellsboro, and Cowanesque Valley). All that is required of those who come to pick of food is a proof of address to verify that the household falls within that locations jurisdiction. The Mansfield Food Pantry serves Arnot, Bloss, Blossburg, Covington, Hamilton, Jackson, Liberty, Mansfield, Mainesburg, Millerton, Morris Run, Ogdensburg, Richmond, Roseville, Rutland, Sullivan, Union, and Ward.

Barb continued by explaining that the bulk of the food comes almost completely from donation. “Donations from the Mansfield area churches and organizations and a lot from individuals. We have a lot of dedicated individuals, some who even give every month.” The donated money is then taken to the Central PA Food Bank where the supplies are bought. Volunteers then gather to transport the loads of food back to the Mansfield location, complete with a good, old-fashioned “bucket brigade” to unload and stock the Pantry.

Each family receives a variety of provisions, with as many fresh foods as possible. As the box is passed around the horseshoe of food storage, the volunteers stuff it full with cereal, oatmeal, spaghetti supplies, mac n’ cheese, soups, fruits, vegetables, tuna, salmon, rice, whole milk, raisins, potatoes, bread, frozen meat, miscellaneous treats, and much more. The amount of food depends on the size of the family. Baby food and formula is also available for households with little ones.

The Mansfield Food Pantry is located on Route 6, heading west from the center of town (toward Wellsboro). If you would like more information about how to receive supplies from the Food Pantry, or how to contribute through donation or as a volunteer, call the helpline number: (800) 829-1341. Our community is greatly blessed by the dedication and diligence of our Mansfield Food Pantry. This team is certainly making a difference!