Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry receives check to combat food insecurity

Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry receiving a $50,000 earmark from the state to help supplement its dinner and food pantry programs.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

CHICOPEE — In the midst of rampant food insecurity across the country, including here locally, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry received a boost to help fight that very issue. On May 4, the organization accepted a $50,000 earmark from the state to augment its mission.

Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry Executive Director Kim Caisse, Mayor John Vieau, state Rep. Shirley Arriaga, and state Rep. Pat Duffy gathered to celebrate the funding that will aid food insecurity as the demand for food continues to rise.

Arriaga said the earmark is on behalf of the commonwealth — more specifically, the Chicopee delegation — to make sure those who are most vulnerable have something to eat.

“We are here to support Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen for all their hard work and to highlight the need that exists not only in Massachusetts, but primarily here in Western Massachusetts, in Chicopee,” Arriaga stated. “My constituents, our constituents, our folks are going hungry. Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen has seen their numbers increase; actually double in the past 12 months, and this is an earmark to help Lorraine’s continue to our most vulnerable and encourage them to come out.”

Caisse talked about how this earmark will help supplement Lorraine’s overall mission to feed those who need it most.

“It is amazing because it will help us in so many of our programs,” Caisse stated. “Our pantry distribution, our general services, so wherever the need is, it’ll impact that.”

According to its leaders, Lorraine’s, located at 170 Pendexter Ave., strives to reduce the risk and effects that food insecurity has on families and individuals by investing in those they serve through collaboration with community partners to educate and raise awareness.

Lorraine’s offers hot meals every weeknight from 4-6 p.m. and pantry services Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also have a mobile pantry that they offer Monday through Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. for anyone who needs non-perishable items and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The organization serves close to 50,000 meals a year and also assists with food supplies to hundreds of families a month. Although Caisse said the $50,000 will help supplement a lot of its programs, it won’t last forever, and the need for donations and volunteers will always be apparent.

“The community has always been so helpful,” Caisse said. “When there’s a need at Lorraine’s, people come out, they always do, so we’re grateful for them, and this $50,000 is gonna make an impact, but it won’t be there for long, so there’s always the need after.”

Besides monetary donations, Caisse said the soup kitchen and pantry is always in need of rice, pasta, soup, peanut butter, potatoes, canned meats, spaghetti sauces, cereal, beans of all types, canned fruits and mac and cheese.

Food donations can be dropped off at Lorraine’s Monday through Friday. “Without the community and the volunteers, we wouldn’t be here, so it’s a huge impact,” Caisse said.

Due to the pause on SNAP benefits late last year and the rising cost of living, many people are becoming more food insecure and scrambling to find their next meal, according to local leaders.

“Many people struggle with food insecurity, and it is real,” Vieau stated. “In 2026, on America’s 250th anniversary, that shouldn’t be happening. The need is big, it’s real, and [Lorraine’s] is very special. It serves people with respect and dignity, and [they] treat people fairly.”

“We don’t want no one going to sleep hungry,” Arriaga added.

For more information or ways to donate and volunteer, readers can visit lorrainessoupkitchen.com.