Published April 29, 2020

GOOD HOPE FOODS Program Coordinator Kristin Klopotoski diligently works to assist people who need the Grove Street food pantry’s services. (Courtesy Photo)

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — With the COVID-19 virus pandemic turning the world upside down, a local food pantry needs help in order to continue making a positive difference in the community.

Good Hope Foods, which is located at Calvary Christian Church on Grove Street, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving North Shore residents for over 10 years.

“The food pantry provides fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs and canned goods to every family that comes for assistance,” said Good Hope Foods Program Coordinator Kristin Klopotoski. “Good Hope also has a homeless care program that prepares and delivers meals to homeless shelters on the North Shore. We also provide Thanksgiving meals and toys for the holiday season.”

VOLUNTEERS Veronica Lewis and Salvi pack bags of food at the Good Hope food pantry on Grove Street so that it can be donated to families in need. (Courtesy Photo)

After receiving a capacity building grant in 2016, Klopotoski stated on the food pantry’s website that Good Hope has traditionally served over 400 people every month.

“The amount of food that we have been distributing has increased in the last five years from 6,000 pounds to 28,000 pounds,” Klopotoski stated.

Klopotoski said the demands placed on the food pantry have increased since the pandemic began.

“COVID-19 has greatly impacted our services,” said Klopotoski. “Because of social distancing, we have moved our services outside and now operate as a drive-thru. We are seeing a large amount of new families in need of services due to the loss of jobs and children being out of school. This past Thursday, we provided food for 748 adults, 505 children and 91 seniors. Our numbers are growing weekly.”

Klopotoski said residents who need food can utilize the services Good Hope provides.

“We are open on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 47 Grove St.,” said Klopotoski. “For everyone’s protection and safety, you stay in your vehicle. Volunteers are practicing social distancing, and are protected with gloves and face masks. They will deliver the food to your vehicle.”

Klopotoski said Good Hope Foods needs financial support in order to keep up with the growing demand.

“We are in need of monetary donations to help with the increasing food costs due to the number of families in need of our services,” said Klopotoski. “We are now distributing over 13,000 pounds of food each week and expect that number to keep increasing. Donations can be made on our website www.goodhoperinc.org by clicking on the donate tab. You can also mail a donation to Good Hope, 47 Grove St., Lynnfield, MA 01940. All donations are tax deductible.”

GOOD HOPE VOLUNTEERS Rebecca Sciola (left) and Rachael Sciola bring bags of food outside of the Grove Street food pantry so that it can be donated to needy families. (Courtesy Photo)

Board of Selectmen Chairman Phil Crawford recently encouraged residents to donate to the food pantry.

“They are being tested greatly on how much food they can put out there,” said Crawford. “Their resources are being drawn down. If anybody would like to make a donation to the food bank, it would be a very nice gesture.”

Calvary Christian Church Executive Pastor Jamie Booth also encouraged residents to support Good Hope Foods in a Facebook video.

“I am going to be volunteering at Good Hope because during this time of critical need, they are still handing out food in the local community,” said Booth. “In fact, they are giving out lots more food than what they typically do each and every week because there are so many people who are in need.”

Klopotoski said Good Hope Foods has received support from several local community organizations. She also said the food pantry has seen an “increase in dedicated volunteers” since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“The services are only made possible because of this ongoing community support,” said Klopotoski.