The food pantry at the Multi-Service Center is closed after a freezer was left open, causing $1,500 worth of mold damage. Town officials are hoping that area food pantries can help them assist residents in need of food.

"Several weeks ago, one of our volunteers walked into our food pantry" and found the freezer door left open and extensive mold damage in the room, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan told the Selectmen on Tuesday.

One refrigerator was so ridden with mold damage, it had to be thrown out, and a disaster team was called in to clean up the rest of the mess.

"We'll not be opening the food pantry again," said Sullivan. "We will be working with local nonprofits" to continue distributing food to residents in need.

Sullivan said that while he has not yet spoken to any of the nonprofit organizations that provide services to people in need in Wareham, such as Turning Point or Damien's Place, he's planning to do so.

"There has to be a way to continue" serving residents who need help, he said.