FARMINGTON — At a recent meeting of the Franklin County Retired Educators, members voted to double this year’s donation to seven area food pantries to $100 each. The money comes from dues, book swaps and monthly mystery basket raffles. Food closets receiving the money will use it to purchase items needed by families but not available from distributors, donations or government surpluses.

FCRE treasurer Debbie Kidder and co-president Jean Mitchell distributed checks to representatives in Farmington’s Care and Share Food Closet, Wilton Area Food Pantry, Clearwater Ministry Food Pantry in Industry, Phillips’ Food Pantry, Rangeley Ecumenical Food Bank, Stratton/Eustis Food Bank and United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem.