Rex’s Pantry at AIC Celebrates First Anniversary

Rex’s Pantry was launched in December 2017 and since that time has prepared and served more than 1,500 hot meals in Springfield, assisted in the collection and local distribution of thousands of pounds of canned food; supported various community food efforts; distributed cold weather gear, including gloves, caps, socks, and hand warmers to the homeless; provided hundreds of Rex to the Rescue kits, which included boxed lunches; and offered fellowship led by Father John McDonagh, head of AIC’s campus ministry and outreach, to those participating in the Rex’s Pantry hot meal program.

Rex’s Pantry is a college initiative that has mobilized a dedicated and ever-expanding corps of volunteers, including undergraduate and graduate students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff.

Beneficiaries of the efforts of Rex’s Pantry include the Loaves & Fishes Community Kitchen at both South Congregational Church and Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry in Chicopee, Friends of the Homeless, and the Springfield Rescue Mission.

Rex, a yellow jacket, is the AIC mascot.