Shandaken Food Pantry

Recently Elizabeth Holland Kern contacted me regarding putting something up on this blog regarding The Shandaken Food Pantry. Here is her message. I think it is important in these hard economic times to support efforts like this in our community. Below are details on how to donate to them or get food if you are in need.

"The Shandaken Food Pantry recently changed its schedule from every Thursday to only the last Thursday of the month, from 10am-12pm. I called Jane Todd, who runs the pantry, and she said its hours were cut due to diminishing funds and contributions. The pantry depends on $2000 per year from the Town Budget, several small fund-raising activities, cash contributions, and food donations. The number of people who visit the Pantry has grown from 7 or 8 people a week in Fall 2008 to 27 or 28 people a week in Fall 2009. Many of those people have families. Jane said “the need is outrageous; it's awful.” She hopes this will be a temporary cutback in services.

If you are in need, you qualify to use the Food Pantry. Jane said they ask about income, but don't require proof. Even people who have an income above poverty level at times qualify for short-term help because of illness in the family that may prevent someone from working.

If you wish to donate money, send a check made out to Shandaken Food Pantry to:
Shandaken Food Pantry
c/o Town Clerk
PO Box 67
Allaben, NY 12480

You can easily drop of a donation of food, etc., at the Methodist Church Hall in Phoenicia. On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday when the Thrift Shop is open, just go upstairs and leave your donation by the door at the back of the room. Jane suggested that in addition to food, you could donate items that are not covered by Food Stamps: toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, and personal hygene articles such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap.

The Food Pantry is located in Phoenicia and it serves all residents of Shandaken.

- Elizabeth Holland Kern

Thanks Elizabeth for making us aware of this need!