LEWISTON – Sisters of Charity Food Pantry received a grant of $5,000 from BJ’s Charitable Foundation to purchase emergency food.

The food pantry is located in the Nutrition Center of Maine, the former Wallace School Building, 208 Bates St., across from Kennedy Park.

In 2006 the pantry served an average of 1,911 people every month. “This gift goes a long way to feeding many hungry people,” said Joyce Gagnon, manager of the panty.

She said, “Many people don’t realize that all of the food we purchase comes through our membership in the Good Shepherd Food Bank, which is a central clearinghouse for collection and distribution of food to nonprofit agencies in Maine. Every dollar we spend through the food bank is equivalent to $12.50 worth of food, which means that this $5,000 from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation will allow us to buy $62,500 worth of food.”

Established in 2004 with the goal of creating positive, long-lasting impact on the communities BJ’s serves, the foundation’s mission is the enhancement and enrichment of community programs that primarily benefit children and families.

Those who would like to make a donation to the Sisters of Charity Food Pantry should call 777-8863 or give online at www.stmarysmaine.com.