Many knew local residents would rise up and help, but no one expected some 6,000 pounds of food to be collected for the first Feed Fredonia campaign.

This year’s campaign continues through Friday at village businesses and offices that have gold signs at their locations. Items needed include: beans, canned fruits, canned meat, canned vegetables, cereals, coffee, dry milk, peanut butter, rice, soups, pastas, canned spaghetti sauce and jelly.

“The support of the residents is needed so that we can continue to serve our friends and neighbors in need,” said Cynthia Wickwire Lundquist, pastor of the Fredonia Presbyterian Church. “With the Challenge and the Fredonia Food Pantry, together we can all make a difference.”

Fredonia’s food pantry has been open at the church on the third Saturday of the month since July 2014 and has served more than 300 families. With the closing of Carriage House in the fall, the need has increased – and will likely continue to do so.