CHICOPEE – The First Congregational Church of Chicopee is host to Regina’s Pantry, which provides food to those in need every Sunday. Regina’s Pantry has recently expanded their offerings with help from The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

The pantry used to be entirely donation driven, but with the help of the food bank they are now able to receive and provide more foods such as chickens, turkeys, hams, spaghetti, pasta, soups, dry goods and breakfast items.

Rev. Gary Grimes became the pastor of The First Congregational Church of Chicopee about four years ago. Grimes used to work in Amherst and was involved in Cathedral in the Night, a food ministry in Northampton. When Grimes relocated to Chicopee, he wanted to continue his involvement in helping the community. This led to the start of Regina’s Pantry about a year ago.

“When I came here, I wanted to bring it. We know there’s a need in the Chicopee community, people that have food inequality, and we just wanted to come and try to help that need and this year with COVID it’s become even greater,” he said.

Before COVID-19, Grimes said Regina’s Pantry served about 30 people a month. Now, they are seeing about 100 a month.

Regina’s Pantry can deliver food to those in need if it is a necessity, but encourages people to come to the church at their 306 Chicopee St. location. The pantry is open every Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is also available in an emergency or if someone needs to arrange special pick up of food. Those needing to get food at a different time are encouraged to call the church at 592-0396.

The church has also expanded to provide a hot meal two Sundays a month through a program called Breaking Bread With the Community. These free, hot meals are given out to those in need through a drive-thru distribution due to the virus. The next Breaking Bread With the Community event will be on Feb. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

According to Grimes, food donations for the pantry are also still welcome and needed. Food items are accepted every Sunday or those interested can call the church to arrange a different drop-off time.

The church also has a third ministry that serves the homeless community in Chicopee and Holyoke called Loaves and Fishes. Donations of food, socks, coats and warm clothing for Loaves and Fishes are accepted at the church.

Although The First Congregational Church of Chicopee is not currently worshipping in person due to COVID-19, Grimes said he knew it was still important to connect with the community and give back during this hard time.

“All you have to do is look at the news and you see that the government can’t come together to provide aid for the people. Non-governmental agencies are really important to come together and help fill in the shortcomings that people are getting. Unemployment is so great right now, it’s running about six percent in whites and 14 percent in people of color and they just need it to survive. I think we fill in the holes where they can’t get it from the government,” he said.

Those interested in learning more about The First Congregational Church of Chicopee and Regina’s Pantry are encouraged to visit their Facebook page a https://www.facebook.com/firstcongregationalchurchofchicopee.