Submitted Photo Funds are sought to build a food storage community building in Brocton/Portland.

BROCTON — Abigail Henry is the new project leader for the Community Food Storage Building for the Brocton-Portland Food Pantry. She is a student at Chautauqua Lake Central School working in association with a course she is taking called “Leadership Engagement.”

“I was challenged to make a difference in my community and enhance my leadership skills in doing so. As a member of West Portland Baptist Church, l decided to work with them on the construction of the new Community Food Storage Building,” she said.

The Brocton-Portland Food Pantry has been serving families since 1991. An average of 125 families are provided meals monthly. As the food pantry continues to reach more families, more storage is in need, resulting in the construction of the Community Food Storage Building. This building will have the purpose of creating more space inside of the food pantry itself for dietary specific foods (ex. gluten free, low or no sodium, sugar free).

The Brocton-Portland Food Pantry is looking for individuals or companies who would like to donate funds to the construction of this building which is planned to be completed by the fall of 2019. If you would like to donate, please contact the Brocton-Portland Food Pantry, care of Gary Henry Sr. at 753-3812.

The Brocton-Portland Food Pantry is open to all residents of that area. All seniors, single parents, parents with children are eligible. It is especially helpful to feed children during the off-school year. Emergency requests are also available, just stop in or call an area pastor to get emergency help any day you need it.

A special reminder to all service members and their families: you are eligible to get assistance as well. This pantry is for everyone in the Brocton-Portland area. Even if you do not qualify, you will still be serviced on the day you arrive, so no one goes without.

Donations can be sent to West Portland Baptist Church, Mark for the pantry: 7081 East Route 20, Westfield NY 14787. Also you can send them directly to: Brocton Food Pantry Care of: Gary Henry 6152 Wright Road, Dewittville NY 14728. All donations are receipted and usable for income tax purposes. The food pantry is a registered 501C corporation.