Mount Prospect Academy renovates new facility for Plymouth Area Community Closet

PLYMOUTH ― The Mount Prospect Academy facilities team has fully outfitted a new food pantry at 15 Railroad Square, just a quarter mile away from the former location at 5 South Main St. The new site, which opened April 9, is adjacent to several other community resources like the Plymouth Regional Senior Center, the Tri-County Community Action Program and, during the summer, the Plymouth Outdoor Farmers’ Market.

When the building on Main Street in Plymouth went up for sale, the Plymouth Area Community Closet — located in the building — wondered what was next for them. Thankfully, MPA, the building’s new owners, worked with the Plymouth Regional Senior Center and developed an idea.

“The PACC is a tremendous community resource, and we didn’t think twice about jumping in to help when the Senior Center offered their space,” said MPA President Jeff Caron. “Our team immediately dug in to the project to renovate the new space.”

The renovations took place over six months and included new roofing and siding for the building, insulation and electrical systems, upgraded refrigeration, and a new security system.

“We really appreciate Mount Prospect’s exceptional generosity,” said PACC President Paul Turley. “Their compassion and community spirit was clear right from the start, and we’re delighted with our new location.”

PACC was founded in 1951, when it was discovered that some families found themselves wanting local resources to help keep food on the table during the holiday season. Over the past five years, PACC’s food pantry has served more than 18,000 households across 15 communities, with nearly 225,000 meals and 5,500 Hannaford gift cards. Also over the past five years, PACC’s fuel assistance program, “Keep the Heat On,” has helped 900 families with more than $380,000 in fuel assistance. PACC also helps at the holidays by providing Holiday Gift Baskets and gift cards to local families.