MASSENA – The Massena Rotary Club applied for and received a Rotary District 7040 grant to build raised garden beds at the Massena Neighborhood Center, creating an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables for needy families in the community. 

Led by Rotarian Al McGrath, the garden boxes have been constructed by Massena Rotarians and friends. This project will continue to benefit the community into the future. The next step will be spring planting, when these gardens will begin producing fresh vegetables for local families. 

The Massena Neighborhood Center, led by Director Jennifer O’Shaughnessy, does so much more than just a food pantry. The Center assists families facing emergencies involving food, utilities, fuel and shelter. It works with families on budgeting, job skills and job-search assistance, operates a community thrift store, and provides an annual Christmas program with toys for children and food boxes for adults. The pantry also works in partnership with the Food Bank of Central New York. With families continuing to face high costs for basic necessities and changes to federal assistance programs, the work of organizations like the Neighborhood Center is especially important.