Witch Dance Fundraiser Event for Amherst Little Free Pantry

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Meg Sabella

Gather round the cauldron on Saturday, October 28, from 4 to 6 pm at UU Amherst’s campus, 6320 Main Street, Williamsville 14228, to make a difference for hungry neighbors. Amherst Little Free Pantry Ltd. will celebrate the season and collect non-perishable foods (please, no glass containers) or monetary donations to stock provisions for the winter. We’ll begin with spooky storytelling, perform the infamous Witch Dance, then share potluck finger foods plus coffee and cider.

The Wild Witches of Williamsville have been practicing a synchronized routine, in the style originated by Wolfshager Hexenbrut troupe in Germany. We’ll be in costume and you’re invited to wear yours, too! We welcome dancers of any age or gender, and can modify the steps for any physical restrictions. Organizer Meg Sabella states “Please know that you do not have to identify as a witch or warlock. This is just a fun, campy dance.”

Amherst Little Free Pantry is self-serve and always open; no questions asked. We strive toward food justice by sharing nutritious food with those in our community who experience food insecurity, affirming the worth and dignity of all. We are part of a national movement and are included on the map at LittleFreePantry.org: “The Mini Pantry Movement is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods.” We follow their motto “Take what you need. Leave what you can.”

Food insecurity knows no boundaries. People and families in need often make tradeoffs between food, basic necessities, bills, medical expenses, and transportation. Some people in need do not qualify for traditional, eligibility-tested, staffed food pantries. We have seen a surge in demand due to the “hunger cliff” effect of pandemic-era interventions that ended March 1, which cut SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, AKA food stamps) benefits to an average of $6 per person per day, stopped Expanded Child Tax Credits, and reduced eligibility for free school meal programs. The debt ceiling agreement in June expanded work requirements to age 54, with few exemptions. Those unable to meet work requirements are often limited to just 3 months of SNAP benefits every 3 years. SNAP cannot be used to purchase hot foods, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vitamin supplements, non-food grocery items such as household supplies, diapers or feminine hygiene products. The future of food assistance is uncertain due to Congress’s failure to enact a new Farm Bill by the September 30 deadline.

Pantry stock varies based on donations and funds available to purchase items. Mainstays are peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, cereal, canned vegetables and fruits, mac & cheese, pasta and sauce, ready-to-eat canned pasta products, rice, instant potatoes, soup, oatmeal, juice, shelf-stable milk, oral and feminine hygiene supplies, laundry pods, and toilet paper.

For more information, contact Witch Wabi-sabi, Meg Sabella, at megsabella712@gmail.com, or text (303) 506-7531.