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Tis the season of giving and helping those in need. The Wellsboro Area Food Pantry is just one location where donations can make a vital impact on local families. Sarah Vickery spoke with Bill Yacovissi, president of the Wellsboro Area Food Pantry, about organization and its influence in the community.

The Wellsboro Area Food Pantry was organized more than 20 years ago. It grew out of a cooperative effort among many churches in the area. Led by Matt Baker, the pantry located a place to distribute food, obtained donations and recruited volunteers. In February 1992, the pantry moved into the basement of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church. The Wellsboro Area Food Pantry is affiliated with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and receives funds from The Emergency Food Assistance Program and the State Food Purchase Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

To be eligible for distribution of food, clients must register with the food pantry. Families registering with the pantry need to meet the income guidelines provided by the county Department of Human Services. The Wellsboro Area Food Pantry distributes food to families in need – two times each month, currently the second Monday and fourth Tuesday. The Pantry is currently distributing food to over 240 households a month. The number of items and the quantity of food is proportional to the size of the family. The Wellsboro Area Food Pantry is housed in the lower level of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church on the corner of Main and Queen Streets in Wellsboro. The Food Pantry entrance is through the side door located near the rear of the building on Queen Street. Parking is on the street beside the church or in the rear of the church. The Pantry opens at 10 am and closes at 1 pm.

Much additional support comes from local area churches and local organizations that donate money and sponsor food drives. One of these businesses in is Century 21 Wilkinson-Dunn. Century 21 realtor, Sandra Wilson, has been coordinating their collection efforts for the past 8 years. Sandra feels this particular cause is important because you are helping local individuals. Monetary or food donations may be dropped off at the Century 21 office on Main Street in Wellsboro. You may also specify which food pantry you would like your donation to help. Sandra encourages monetary donations over food, as the pantries can make more efficient use of the funding through special food bank discounts. However, all donations are greatly appreciated and welcomed.

Other food pantries in Tioga County are located in Mansfield, Westfield, Lawrenceville, Millerton, and Blossburg.

To learn more about the Wellsboro Area Food Pantry, please visit www.wellsborofoodpantry.org.
Tioga County is more than a collection of communities – we’re a family. Let’s come together as a family and share what we have so we can all enjoy this Christmas season and have a happy new year.