Madison Food Center seeks new location

By MELISSA FRANCIS - For the Star Beacon

November 16, 2008 12:29 am

— MADISON TOWNSHIP — Offering assistance to thousands of residents, the Madison Food Center is now seeking assistance from the community.
In the midst of growth and success, the community's only food pantry has three to six months to establish an entirely new location.
The Lantern of Madison on Hubbard Road has provided free shelter and utilities for the food center since its inception. However, due to plans for growth at the assisted living facility, the Madison Food Center is actively seeking a new site to continue operations.
"To replace this is not going to be easy," said Fred Close, addressing Madison Township trustees Nov. 11. "Our operation is beyond belief and this is not the worst time of the year. We've fed 300 families in October."
Contrasting numbers, Close said the center served 106 households: 33 senior citizens, 156 adults and 109 children in November 2005 — a total of 298 individuals. In August 2008 the center served 907 individuals.
"This is one of the most successful and fastest growing enterprises I have ever seen in Madison," Close said.
"We have fed 22,000 since it has opened, so it's a big deal," he said. "It's sad but that's the way it is."
Those who can offer assistance should call the Madison Food Center at 428-9601.