To the Editor:

On Saturday, Nov. 1, forty-two million people in the United States may not be able to purchase food for an unknown period of time. No matter what “side” you’re on, if sides there must be, it is undeniable that this will be devastating for so many.

Including members of our community — our friends, families, and neighbors who rely on SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] and EBT [Electronic Benefit Transfer] cards to keep themselves and their families fed. No human being should go hungry. Consequently, it is inevitable that cutting off this program will overwhelm essential food pantries that are already struggling to keep their shelves stocked.

We want to help. We need your help to do just that! Altamont is notorious for our Halloween festivities. One year, we had 600 trick-or-treaters at our house! This seems like the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of treats and to help those in our community.

On Halloween, this Friday, Oct. 31, we will be collecting nonperishable and unexpired food at our home. The address is 162 Main Street, Altamont. We will deliver the donations to local food pantries on Saturday morning.

It is our hope that while everyone is already out trick-or-treating with their little goblins and ghouls, they’ll find it in their hearts to bring a donation to our bin. We would like to be able to spread out the donations amongst several pantries that are in dire need.

If you do not plan to trick-or-treat but would like to contribute to our Halloween Helps Food Drive, we will have the bin on our front porch the evening before — Thursday, Oct. 30. You can drop off a donation any time after 5 p.m. Thursday until the porch light is turned off on Friday night (typically around 8:30 p.m.).

We will check expiration dates and ensure donations are suitable (nonperishable) before we bring them to the pantries on Saturday morning. 

On Friday, when you’re heading out to collect Reeses, Milky Ways, and Tootsie Rolls, don’t forget a flashlight, glowsticks, hot chocolate, and a canned or boxed good to donate.  

Please help us spread the word! 

Tresa and Jim Matulewicz

Altamont