Lower Cape Outreach Council Launches 2026 Gifts of Hope Campaign as Local Need Surges

ORLEANS, MA (November 2, 2026) —The Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC) today launched its annual Gifts of Hope Campaign, inviting the community to help keep nine food pantries stocked, provide holiday meals, and deliver emergency financial assistance to Lower and Outer Cape neighbors facing difficult choices between food, fuel, heat, housing, and other essentials.

The campaign begins at a pivotal moment. Demand for food assistance continues to climb as SNAP benefits are limited and the costs of utilities, gas, and everyday necessities strain household budgets. About 60 percent of Massachusetts SNAP recipients live in households with children, while roughly 10 percent are adults age 60 and older—neighbors whose health and stability can depend on timely help.

One in four Cape Codders is food insecure, according to LCOC partner The Greater Boston Food Bank. The Cape’s inflated costs for housing, utilities, transportation, and health coverage leave many working families and older adults with little room for an unexpected expense. At the same time, LCOC is preparing its largest food program of the year: providing Thanksgiving meals to more than 900 households across the Lower and Outer Cape and new winter, weather-proof coats for up to 800 children, adults, and seniors in need.

“Lower Cape Outreach Council is here when a food cabinet is bare, a fuel gauge nears empty, or a shutoff notice becomes a health and safety crisis,” said Katie Wibby, CEO of Lower Cape Outreach Council. “Every gift becomes practical help—a bag of nutritious groceries, fuel to reach work or a medical appointment, heat during the coldest months, or emergency assistance that helps a neighbor remain safely housed on Cape Cod.”

Last year, LCOC helped nearly 5,200 children, adults, and seniors access nutritious food, emergency financial aid, and clothing. Average visits across its nine food pantries rose by 20 percent—evidence that more Cape neighbors are turning to LCOC for help.

Even with LCOC tripling its Orleans main food pantry capacity in 2025, the organization recognizes there is more to do. Increased community support this season prepares LCOC to acquire a food hub warehouse in early 2027—the Thompson’s Printing property in Orleans—to strengthen its nine-pantry network and expand partnerships and collaborations with food partners on and off Cape.

“Cuts to food assistance programs are expected to drive demand even higher and put the health and well-being of our neighbors at greater risk,” Wibby added. “The donor public has the power to respond now, before a difficult month becomes a crisis.”

The Gifts of Hope Campaign traditionally provides more than one-third of LCOC’s annual budget. This year, reductions in government assistance and growing health insurance affordability challenges make donor support especially urgent. Every gift, at any level, helps LCOC respond quickly and compassionately when a neighbor asks for help.

>Donations can be made online at https://lcoutreach.org/or mailed to LCOC, PO Box 2013, Orleans, MA 02653.

More About the Lower Cape Outreach Council, Inc.

From its humble roots of organizing assistance out of the homes of volunteer founders, the Lower Cape Outreach Council is today an essential part of the community, providing comprehensive assistance to nearly 5,200 Lower and Outer Cape residents in need of immediate support while encouraging long-term sufficiency. Incorporated in 1984, LCOC offers a holistic approach to client care, ensuring that participating individuals have their basic needs met. The nonprofit operates nine emergency food pantries—one in each town on the Lower Cape, including two in Orleans; a financial assistance program; Katy’s Korner, a free clothing and home goods center; and other seasonal programs. All services are available free of charge to any resident of the Lower and Outer Cape who identifies a need. For more information, visit lcoutreach.org