Belfast — Belfast Rotary Club distributed monetary gifts totaling $10,500 on Jan. 30 to the seven Waldo County food pantries it now supports.

Recognizing that there is food insecurity among many of the residents of Belfast and greater Waldo County, and in an effort to help alleviate those needs, the club began donating in 1998, under the presidency of Patti Ann Lord, to five area food cupboards. Donations have continued annually since that time, and the club now helps support seven food providers.

Little River Baptist Church Food Pantry, Jackson Food Pantry, Northport Food Pantry Inc., Searsport Methodist Food Cupboard, Greater Belfast Area Ministerium Food Cupboard, Belfast Soup Kitchen, and No Greater Love Food Pantry received donations this year.

Rotarians hold three pancake breakfasts annually, plus receive a portion of their annual golf fundraiser proceeds to fund the food assistance organizations. Rotarians invite the public to attend any of their pancake breakfasts; the entire cost of every ticket goes directly to a food assistance organization to help feed someone in need.