Unanimous Wellfleet Town Meeting Vote Supports Wellfleet Food Pantry

New Home Proposed at Adult Community Center

Voters at last night’s Wellfleet Town Meeting gave unanimous support to the Wellfleet Food Pantry’s proposed lease of land on town-owned property adjacent to the Adult Community Center. Suggested by Suzanne Thomas, Director of Community Services, who was aware that the Pantry had to relocate, the site would provide an opportunity to create a hub of support for Wellfleetians seeking community activities and social services at the ACC, and who may also be dealing with food insecurity.

Because the proposed location is on town-owned land, the Town cannot simply lease the land to the Wellfleet Food Pantry. Voters authorized the selectboard to approach state legislators to request special legislation allowing the town to lease land to the Pantry, eliminating the need for a competitive process for use of the site. Should legislation not move quickly enough, voters also authorized the town to undertake the standard procurement process.

Sandy Galvin, President, Wellfleet Food Pantry Board, expressed her delight, “The community support we saw last night was heartwarming and encouraging. As we move forward with planning and fundraising we will continue to need that support, and we look forward to being a great partner to the ACC.”

Due to the broadening demand of providing food for over 200 families (and steadily increasing) in Wellfleet, the Pantry has outgrown its space and must vacate its current home by December 2024. Following months of searching, the Town and the Pantry have now agreed to pursue the use of land on this site. Discussions with the Cape Cod National Seashore to review a proposed design will also be necessary, as the site is on town-owned land within the Seashore’s boundary.

Once a long-term lease has been signed, the Wellfleet Food Pantry will undertake a capital campaign to raise an estimated $1.5 million for construction by April 2026. Contributions to the Wellfleet Food Pantry’s Building Fund will be gladly accepted.