Pantry Plus News

What a year 2020 has been at Food Pantry, and how grateful we are for the support from the congregation, community, local businesses and most of all our volunteers to enable us to help so many people under such trying conditions.

  • January through February were normal months, indoor shopping at the choice pantry, 90 families on average per pantry.
  • Then the pandemic, with restrictions and job losses, hit. We shifted back to pre-packed bags and a drive by outdoor model.
  • By April we needed to expand our hours to keep the queue of cars from spilling out onto route 132.
  • Feeding Westchester has been our lifeline for food supply, augmented by shopping at Acme and Restaurant Depot for missing items.
  • Feeding Westchester has not charged for bulk foods since April, a policy that has saved us at least $12,000.
  • At the peak in May through July we were helping more than 250 families per pantry.

 

With your help and the dedication of our stalwart volunteers we never missed a beat at the pantry or in our deliveries to the elderly.

We are gearing up for one of our largest pantries of the year for Christmas. Many thanks to Wilkens Farm and the Pratt family for donating pies for thanksgiving, and to Elaine Sinecore for introducing us to Restaurant Depot. Most of all we thank the congregation for your donations, your support and your encouragement. Thank you so much!

As in past years, if you would like to give to the pantry as a gift for someone else, we have new pantry cards available that include a description of the pantry’s ministry and can be printed at home. Just send a note to Lisa.

For December, the item of the month is cake/brownie/dessert mix, to help our clients celebrate the season.

Are you (or are you aware of a congregation member) in need of help getting groceries? Contact Katharine Frase.