Soccer moms find a new way to feed hungry families

CORNWALL — Organizers Lib Tobin and Danielle Giulian dubbed it Lady’s U80 soccer (that would mean anyone under the age of 80 could play).

It was a bit of an exaggeration, but a “foodraiser� soccer match Sunday afternoon brought out three generations: 18 ladies ranging from teenagers to 50-somethings.

There was some discreet moaning and groaning the next day as generally unused muscles were discovered, following what was described as a “spirited� match.

But no one minded, given that 10 bags of groceries were collected at the game for the Cornwall Food Pantry.

It was a bit of a switch, as husbands and children cheered their “soccer moms� from the sidelines.

Tobin said the idea came from an identical event held in Kent the week before. With Thanksgiving approaching, area food banks are looking to bring in extra supplies.

It wasn’t difficult to quickly pull together a game in Cornwall.

“Offspring and spouses sipped cider and munched popcorn and were entertained by the vigorous match, with East Team inching out a win over West Team by a petite margin,� Tobin reported. “Ten bags of groceries and sundries (no pasta!) were gratefully received by pantry coordinator Anne Scott. Many thanks to the ref, coaches, park and rec, Jill Gibbons, the donors, Lady U 80s and their supportive families.�

To make arrangements to donate to the Cornwall Food Pantry, call 860-672-4959.