The Feinstein Foundation of Cranston, R.I., is offering funds to match whatever the Dedham Food Pantry can raise to restock the local larder.
Until the end of April, donations will be matched by the Rhode Island charitable foundation. Feinstein has pledged $1 million in donations nationwide. The food pantry's share of that money will be determined by how much it raises compared to other towns.
Feinstein guarantees a minimum of $250 and allows a maximum of $50,000.
Lyndsay Barich, a member of the pantry's board of trustees, said yesterday supplies are lower than usual.
"Normally the food is stacked up five or six boxes high," Barich said. "Now it is down to the floor."
To take advantage of the matching grant, the food pantry will hold a poker tournament April 28. The entry fee is $100 per player with a $1,000 first-place prize. Proceeds go to the pantry.
Barich said the pantry accepts monetary and food donations. Since it buys food from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a significant discount, cash donations go a long way.
"We can get so much more food than at a supermarket," Barich said. "We can get a pickup truck full of food."
The food pantry serves 150 to 200 hungry families in Dedham each month at St. John's Church. Barich said the only requirement for someone to receive food is that they live in Dedham.
He said the number of people in town seeking help has remained steady over the last few years, but donations are up and down.
In addition to donations of food, the food pantry is looking for volunteers to serve a variety of roles.
The food pantry accepts donations each Thursday between 3 and 5 p.m. at St. John's Church at 50 Oakdale Ave. It is open to town residents who need food assistance every Saturday between 8:30 and 11 a.m.
To donate or for more information, call 781-320-9442 or visit www.dedhamfoodpantry.org.
Daily News staff writer Patrick Anderson can be reached at 781-433-8336 or by e-mail at panderso@cnc.com.
