Milford couple honored for food pantry work
MILFORD — John and Janine Tighe were not looking for recognition for their work at the John Rigley Food Pantry - but now they have it.
The pair have overseen the food pantry which has been a source of nourishment for those suffering from food insecurity for more than 50 years - the past seven years. The effort was not lost on the Daughters of the American Revolution, which awarded the Tighes its 2020-21 Community Service Award.
“This is such a dedicated and hardworking bunch of individuals,” Janine Tighe said during the award ceremony Thursday at the DAR Milford chapter.
She said they were honored to receive the award and thanked all the volunteers who were in attendance and thanked all those who have volunteered at the food pantry.
“The pandemic was a challenging time for the pantry,” Janine Tighe added, “and when it was safe for the volunteers to return, they rose to the occasion and picked up right where they left off to provide for those in need. It is an honor to work alongside all of you.”
“(The Tighes) have demonstrated unassuming service and tireless commitment to our Milford Community During the COVID-19 pandemic,” Elizabeth Keefe, chairwoman of the Milford chapter, said.
“Food insecurity and the need for basic household items have been greater than ever in our community over the past year yer and a half,” Keefe added. “The Tighes, together with the large group of volunteers, have risen to the challenge by serving people of all faiths and walks of life in our community.”
Decon John Hoffman said the food pantry serves about 30 to 60 families each month, and the Tighes are a major reason why the facility was able to be successful during the pandemic.
“They deserve this award,” Hoffman said. “They are there every weekend to make sure everyone gets what they need. However, even when a family needs food on a Wednesday, they make sure that family gets food.”
Hoffman said he said he can’t say how many times he texted back and forth with the Tighes about someone who was in need on a Friday night and what could we do to help them.
“Somehow we found a way to help them,” he said. “That’s what John and Janine helped coordinate with so many other volunteers.”
“I can’t tell you how much shopping goes into it, how much coordination goes into it, I can’t tell you because I don’t do it. John and Janine do that,” Hoffman added. “We are so appreciative that they do.”