No matter which team is your favorite for the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013, we all win when we root for the Stoneham/Board of Health Food Pantry during the Souper Bowl of Caring drive!

The food pantry is encouraging everyone in the community to collect monetary donations and much needed food items to stock the pantry shelves during The Souper Bowl of Caring which is a national endeavor to use the energy of the Super Bowl to mobilize youth in a united effort to care for people in their local communities who are hungry and those in need. Super Bowl weekend – the first Sunday in February – can be nation's largest celebration of giving and serving – if we all participate!

The managers of the food pantry are asking businesses, churches, and other organizations to offer special promotions to their clients and members to spark donations. In addition, families and friends who host Super Bowl parties are encouraged to ask their guests to make financial donations or bring a couple of cans of food to the get-togethers on February 3, 2013, Super Bowl Sunday. 

The most needed food items include jams and jellies, coffee, tea, jarred pasta sauce, mayonnaise, canned tomato products (except puree), vegetable oil, sugar, canned meats, hearty soups, pancake mix and syrup, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, shampoo, conditioner, foil, plastic wrap, paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissues.

The Youth Group of the First Congregational Church in Stoneham will also be hosting a Souper Bowl lunch after Church service on Sunday, February 3, 2013.  Bring in a home-made soup or come and enjoy a variety of delicious soups for a small donation.  All monetary donations will go to non-profit programs that battle hunger. If you plan on contributing a soup or enjoying the lunch, please RSVP to the Church office (781-438-0097).

Any items collected can be dropped off at the pantry located at the First Congregational Church in Stoneham, One Church Street, Stoneham, MA 02148. Please call ahead for assistance:  781-438-0097. Any financial donations can be mailed to the First Congregational Church in Stoneham with food pantry written in the note section.