Originally Posted by
putts
Even Monson can be an easy resupply if you don't want to ship. The last time I stopped by Shaw's in 2016, They had great resupply options (all of the basics like rice, PB, tortillas, etc..and more. Plus, as far as non food they had fuel, water purification, baggies for individual sale not to mention a nice selection of gear like ULA and HMG packs. The cafe next to Lakeshore House (the name escapes me....Pete's Place?) also has an impressive selection for resupply. They both cater to hikers and know the modern hiker's resupply needs well. The old general store has been bought and completely renovated to something of a more pristine general store where you could probably find a more "Whole Foods" type variety. And of course there is Greenville in roughly the same distance, opposite direction from the trail, where you will find a full supermarket and two outfitters. Hitching to/from Monson, Greenville, and the trailhead is usually as easy as any hitch on the AT, in fact I'll say the easiest from my experience (along with the Medway, Millinocket, Baxter route)
All that being said a mail drop obviously works well too.