Local Insurance Agency Pledging a Percentage to HVCC Pantry

Adam Weissberger, president and CEO of the State Farm Insurance Agency in Vernon, and a Vernon Town Council member, announced this week that the agency is embarking on a campaign to help the Hockanum Valley Community Council increase the amount of food currently in supply at the food pantry. 

The local State Farm office will donate $5 for every net policy his office writes starting July 8, 2013 he said. The campaign will run until the end of July, and the donation will be made to FoodShare, for the benefit of HVCC, in the middle of August, once the final numbers have been determined. 

HVCC has a partnership account with FoodShare, that allows pantry officials to buy large quantities of food at discounted rates.

The donation will allow HVCC to buy more food, and save on handling fees, so that more people can benefit from its services, Weissberger said. 

“As someone who is actively involved, and who has participated in numerous other events and causes around town, I want to directly help HVCC meet the growing demand they have to provide for those in the area who most need their assistance," he said. 

Weissberger said the State Farm office will also serve as a drop-off location for anyone looking to make a donation of canned goods, cereal, and other items the food pantry has a need for. Weissberger's State Farm office is located in Lafayette Square, next to Dunkin' Donuts, at 10 Hyde Ave., in Vernon.  

The  office can also be reached by phone at 860-454-7770 for additional information.

David Engelson, the CEO of the HVCC and its pantry, has issued a desperate call for food. He said it will be challenge to maintain the pace of 6,000 items distributed per month over the summer.