BETHEL — The food pantry portion of the popular District Exchange will move to the basement of the Church of the Nazarene on Church Street, board member Cathy Newell said.

The District Exchange has been in operation since 1992 and operates a food pantry that serves about 50 families a month and a clothing exchange, which serves hundreds of people.

While a search is under way for a site for the clothing exchange, Newell said trustees of the United Methodist Church on Main Street have approved the proposed use for a portion of the church’s annex.

Moving the District Exchange from the former Ethel Bisbee School on Chapman Street was prompted by SAD 44’s plan to move the central offices from the school to a section of Norway Savings Bank at the intersection of the Parkway and Route 2. That relocation came about as a result of the school district’s efforts to cut costs for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent David Murphy has said that the central office move will likely take place during early summer once classes are let out. Until then, the District Exchange will continue to serve people at the former Bisbee school.

Newell said several details must be worked out between the District Exchange board and the trustees or boards of the two churches. She said a formal announcement of the of new locations will be made in the next few weeks.

Those who want to follow the progress of the relocation may join Facebook or call Newell at 875-2116 or Maryvonne Wheeler at 836-2330. The hours for the clothing exchange are Mondays from 1-4 p.m., Thursdays from 4-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The food pantry is available by appointment through town offices and churches.

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