SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Open Pantry Community Services is working to ensure families across western Massachusetts will able to enjoy a home-cooked meal this Easter.

The Springfield nonprofit provides food support all year as well as during holidays like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. On Monday, the program opened its emergency food pantry for families in need.

"We're open four days a week, between nine to three Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays," said program director Michael Akers. "So we're closed on Thursdays. Here we basically provide food to people who are food insecure."

Chief development officer Terry Maxey said the program has seen an increase in people using the nonprofit's food services and many are visiting for the first time.

"Teachers and people that work 40-hour weeks," said Maxey. "But because of the cost of living, inflation, they're looking for somewhere to subsidize the cost of purchasing food. So we're seeing more new users to the pantry."

Maxey said the holidays can be a difficult time for families both financially and mentally, so it's important to have a food service program to relieve some of the pressure.

"We don't want anyone to have to choose between putting food on the table and feeding the family or paying rent, paying utilities," Maxey said. "Everyone is entitled to a meal, a nutritional meal, and that is why our food pantry is so important."

Open Pantry Community Services will be providing free meals to the public on Easter Sunday beginning at noon inside the High School of Commerce in Springfield.