Freetown board approves five-year license for regional food pantry

The Freetown Select Board unanimously approved a five-year license on July 2 allowing the Freetown Regional Food Pantry to remain at 225 Chase Road in East Freetown and clear a grant condition for refrigeration equipment.

Carlos Lopes, chairman of the board, opened the short, single-item meeting at 2:10 p.m. and described the vote. "I entertain the motion to approve the license agreement between the town of Freetown and the Freetown Regional Food Pantry located at 225 Chase Road in East Freetown," Lopes said before the board moved to vote.

The board heard that the pantry needs dedicated cooling and refrigeration space to accept and store larger donations. "That way, they can store produce and meats in it," said Select board member Jared Zager, describing how the unit will reduce spoilage and broaden distribution to families. Board members said the pantry already serves hundreds of families each month.

Selectman Seligman Dathan moved to approve the five-year license, which board members described as necessary for the pantry to qualify for a grant to buy refrigeration equipment. The term discussed by the board runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. The motion was seconded by Chairman Carlos Lopes and passed with all members present voting yes.

The board also voted to authorize Town Administrator Deborah Petty to sign the agreement on behalf of the town's signatories so the pantry can receive the equipment quickly. The authorization motion was moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

The meeting lasted about five minutes; Lopes adjourned the session at roughly 2:15 p.m.