Special to the OBSERVER

Throughout the county and in local communities, there remains a lack of food in the local food pantries. Because of this, the Fredonia community will be working to restock the shelves of the Fredonia Food Pantry at the Chautauqua Rural Ministry. This will be done through the annual Feeding Fredonia Challenge, which will take place until Oct. 22.

The food drive was unanimously endorsed by the Fredonia Village Board. Donations will be collected by different organizations and businesses within the Village and may also be left at the Fredonia Presbyterian Church at any time. In addition to donations of food, monetary donations can also be sent to the Fredonia Food Pantry at the church at 219 Central Ave. in Fredonia.

This challenge marks the eighth year of the Feeding Fredonia Challenge. Throughout the past seven years, churches, businesses, offices, Fredonia Central School, and SUNY Fredonia have all worked together to collect food for the neighborhood they’re in. The volunteers who help out at the Fredonia Food Pantry are looking forward to once again seeing the shelves full.

Last year, the group reported more than a ton and a half of food being donated.

“The results were outstanding. Besides the many monetary donations, the virtual food drive netted over a ton and a half of food — 3,503 pounds to be exact!” organizers reported.