Grayson Smith, son of Errol Smith of Smith Holmestead, helpsg deliver beef to Sweden Food Pantry. Submitted photo

The Sweden Food Pantry summer fundraiser was a raffle for a side of beef. The winner, Claudia Blondell, chose to donate her winnings back to the food pantry for distribution to its shoppers. The winner was announced as part of Sweden Days in August.

Winner Claudia Blondell of Lovell stocks freezer with her winnings. Submitted photo

Blondell, of Lovell, a member of the pantry’s board of directors, has been an active volunteer for more than 10 years. Not only does she donate her time and expertise, she also purchases raffle tickets and participates in other fundraisers run by the pantry, according to a news release from the pantry.

The side of beef weighed in at 425 pounds. “Due to the generosity of sponsors who covered the cost of the prize, the pantry was able to raise $5,775 from this fundraiser. This significant amount is especially helpful since donations have been decreasing over the years since the pandemic. We are so thankful to everyone who bought raffle tickets and to our sponsors,” remarked Linda Bradley, president of pantry board and a longtime volunteer herself. “We depend on our volunteers and donors to keep the pantry open for the 45 families from throughout the region who shop here.”

The winner had the choice of any of the cuts of beef; but pantry shoppers prefer hamburger. This fall, pantry shoppers will have ground beef to add to their shopping carts.

The pantry, located in the basement of the Sweden Community Church at 137 Bridgton Road, near Sweden’s four corners, is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The pantry serves participants from the towns of Sweden, Lovell, Fryeburg, Stow, Stoneham, Waterford, Harrison and Bridgton, but does not turn away any eligible family.

For more information, visit swedenfoodpantry.org or its Facebook Page, or call 207-647-5735.

Check out upcoming area events!