A representative from the town food pantry dropped by a recent Board of Selectmen meeting to inform townspeople about the pantry's efforts.

Catherine Marcin, director of the pantry, told selectmen that the tough economic times had caused an increase in demand.

"Since last year, we've seen a 10 percent growth in our clientele," she said. "With weather getting colder, we can expect that number to grow."

She said, though, the pantry had been able to offer more to its clients than it could before, thanks to community generosity.

"We're fortunate to have received gifts from a church-sponsored garden," she said. "This allowed us to provide fresh produce over the summer — previously, we had been able to provide that only over the holiday seasons."

"We've been receiving, on average, four to five boxes of fresh produce every week from a garden in the State School field," she added. "The community's been great — they've been helping out a lot."

According to Marcin, there are several ways those in town can further bolster the pantry's efforts.

"We accept monetary donations and canned goods," she said. "We're hoping to get healthy snacks for kids' lunches."

Selectmen praised the pantry's efforts.

"We certainly know you do tremendous work," said Board Chairman Stephen Langley, addressing Marcin.

Langley asked if the program offered fuel assistance as well.

"We don't, but we do have information [on groups that do]," Marcin answered. "We can point people in the right direction."

Marcin said the pantry has office hours on Saturdays between 10am and 12pm behind the Original Congregational Church. She emphasized the program's confidentiality for its clients.

Marcin said monetary donations could be sent to P.O. Box 657 in Wrentham. Food donations may be dropped off at various locations around town, including St. Mary's Church, the Original Congregational Church, Trinity Church and the Fiske Public Library.