O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation Distributes $100,000 to Food Pantries

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation announced the release of $100,000 in emergency funding to support food pantries across Springfield. This rapid response effort comes in light of recent SNAP benefit reductions and the ongoing federal government shutdown, both of which have left many families struggling to access basic necessities.

“Women and families are resilient, but many are now facing impossible choices between food, rent, and other essentials,” said Margaret Tantillo, executive director of the O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation. “We cannot stand by while our neighbors go hungry. This emergency funding is a first step — but it will take all of us, as a community, to meet the growing need.”

The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation’s emergency funds will help ensure that local food pantries can purchase and distribute food to families experiencing hardship.

“The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation was created to be a catalyst for hope and action,” said Keely Krantz, founder and president of the O’Dell Women’s Center. “At moments like this, our mission — to uplift women and families toward stability and economic security — demands an immediate and compassionate response.”

The foundation also encourages the public to make financial contributions to their local food pantry or to the food distribution partners it has supported, including All Nations Church, the Care Center, Christina’s House, the Gray House, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Open Pantry Emergency Food Program, Salvation Army Springfield Citadel, S.M.A.R.T. Pantry at Spring Meadow Apartments, St. John’s Congregational Church, and United Way of Pioneer Valley.