‘Hearts for Hinka’s’ benefits food pantry

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown’s newest pantry, Hinka’s Cupboard, will hold a Pasta Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Fox Parish Hall, St. Francis Church, Middletown.

Hinka’s Cupboard is open on the last Thursday of each month to anyone who needs food. He Cupboard is open on the last week because that is the time most people have exhausted their food stamps. Annette Silverman founded the Food Pantry that is located in the basement of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown.

Hinka’s Cupboard is named after Annette Silverman’s mother (Henrietta Ann Dascanio). Her mother was one of six polish girls in her family. While alive, she was an accomplished cook and baker. She worked in Head Start programs, school cafeterias, and private restaurants. She always offered food to guests and would help people however she could. It is for that reason she chose her as the Cupboard’s namesake. Annette’s mission statement is simple — feed the hungry.

The cost to keep the pantry stocked averages $500 to $600 a month. If nonperishable donations are received, that figure could be less. Silverman has roughly a dozen volunteers: shoppers, sorters, greeters, and one clerical person. For more information, visit Hinka’s Cupboard on Facebook and on the Church website.

Tickets are $15 per person. Ticket price includes: various pastas with marinara sauce, meatballs, green salad, bread, coffee, soft drinks, dessert. There will be door prizes and raffles. Each patron will receive a ticket for the door prize drawing with every 2 cans of food brought to the benefit. To purchase or reserve tickets, contact the parish office at 860-347-4684. Tickets will be sold at the door on a first come, first serve basis.