Food Pantry co-director to step down after 6 years

When Mary Ellen Hudner first signed on as co-director of the Canton Food Pantry, she did so with minimal expectations and with no idea how long it would last.

Carolann Brown (left) and Mary Ellen Hudner

Nearly six years and hundreds of volunteer hours later, Hudner still returns every Wednesday to open the pantry’s doors and still makes regular shopping trips to the Greater Boston Food Bank. She still takes phone calls from prospective clients and helps other clients navigate the local social service bureaucracy.

In many ways, it has evolved into a real passion of hers; and yet at some point in the coming months, Hudner will step down from her position as she seeks a return to the paying workforce. She would ideally like to find a job in a related field — at least one that is focused on helping others — but she is ready to embrace whatever challenge comes next.

“I love [the food pantry] and have really enjoyed it, but I’m ready to move on,” said the Canton resident and mother of three.

In the meantime, Hudner has agreed to continue in her role through Thanksgiving and Christmas, which are the two busiest times for any food pantry — Canton’s included.

She also wants to help find a replacement to work alongside Carolann Brown, who plans to remain in the role for the foreseeable future.

Both women came aboard in the winter of 2006 and have developed an excellent working relationship and a strong friendship over the years.

“We just hit it off very well,” said Brown, who handles most of the paperwork and serves the senior clientele every Tuesday from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Hudner works the same hours on Wednesdays for regular clientele and also handles the shopping at the Greater Boston Food Bank. Both she and Brown would love to see two people step forward — one to run the pantry and handle the phone calls and one to take care of the shopping duties — although Brown said she would be “happy to have at least one.”

While the position of director is not a paid one, both women agreed that it’s a big responsibility and one that requires a serious commitment.

“We see an average of about 75 clients a week,” noted Hudner. “It’s a lot of people; it’s a lot of food.”

They also manage a group of about 25 volunteers and coordinate with various community groups on food drives and other collection efforts throughout the year. The holidays come with added responsibilities, although Hudner said the actual distribution of food tends to run very smoothly.

“Last year at Thanksgiving,” she said, “we gave out 175 turkeys and all the fixings within an hour and a half.”

In describing the ideal director, both Hudner and Brown chose words like “honest” and “committed.”

“It should be someone who is adaptable,” added Brown, “someone who is willing to do extra if needed and also someone with a lot of integrity.”

Hudner said there is also a degree of physical strength required as the person will be responsible for carrying and unloading large quantities of food. Most of all, she said, the person has to be compassionate.

“We’re there to help people,” she said. “We’re not there to judge them.”

Fortunately for Brown, Hudner has been that ideal partner, and she can only hope that the next person exhibits some of these very qualities that have made her such a valuable asset to the community.

“All the accolades you can think of for Mary Ellen apply,” said Brown. “She’s just wonderful to work with. It’s been a pleasure knowing her and working with her and she’s going to be a hard person to replace.”

As for Hudner, the past five and a half years with the food pantry have taught her so many valuable lessons and have really opened her eyes to the need that exists right here in this community.

“A lot of people are really, really hurting in this town,” she emphasized. “But for the grace of God it could be any one of us, and I don’t think a lot of people realize that.”

At the same time, Hudner has met a lot of “really great people” during her time as director — everyone from generous donors to dedicated volunteers to grateful and hardworking clients. And while the job may not come with a paycheck, it still has its benefits, not the least of which is the satisfaction that comes with helping a fellow neighbor in need.

“I do get a lot of hugs,” Hudner acknowledged. “What other job do you get that with?”

To inquire about the position of co-director at the Canton Food Pantry, call the pantry at 781-821-8062 and leave a detailed message.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=8428

Posted by Jay Turner on Sep 28 2011. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.