THE COMMUNITY PANTRY AT SYJCC: FEEDING LONG ISLAND’S HUNGRY
Community Pantry at SYJCC featured in the Burr Bugle Live December episode.
Fifth grade students Luca Visali and Leah Rubin from Burr Intermediate School in Commack visited the Community Pantry to interview lead volunteers Rachel Gentile and Cindy Ackerman. They learned how their school community can support neighbors facing food insecurity.
The Community Pantry at the Suffolk Y JCC serves a wide range of individuals in need in Suffolk County. This includes low-income individuals and families as well as homebound seniors. The people visiting the Pantry are poor or near-poor and are experiencing food insecurity due to many reasons, including unemployment, unanticipated child care needs, and the overall economic climate. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, requests for assistance have quadrupled. There are now over 100 visitors to the Pantry on an average week.
The Community Pantry provides non-perishable food, personal care items and cleaning supplies, all of which are donated. Visitors are able to “shop” at the Pantry with dignity and without fear of judgement, choosing what is needed at no charge. A committed corps of volunteers keeps the Pantry open and organized during the following hours of operation: Monday and Thursday, 12-6; Friday through Sunday, 9-1 (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday).
As our programs grow, so does the need for support from our community. There are many ways you can help!
DONATE
Help us support Suffolk County individuals and families facing economic insecurity by donating non-perishable food, personal care items, and household cleaning supplies to the Community Pantry at the SYJCC. All donated items must be unexpired, sealed in their original packaging, and unused. Store gift cards may also be donated, which will be used to purchase perishables to be stored in the Pantry’s refrigerators. We also gratefully accept donations of fresh produce, including veggies and fruits picked from your own garden!
Donations can be dropped off in the SYJCC Main Lobby or may be taken to the Pantry during its opening hours (see below). The Pantry is located in the rear of the SYJCC building.
Weekly Need:
- Shampoo
- Body Soap
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
The Pantry’s priority request list changes weekly, so please check the SYJCC website here to see the Pantry’s most current needs.
Pantry Hours are:
· Monday | 12:00- 6:00 pm
· Thursday | 12:00- 6:00 pm
· Friday, Saturday, & Sunday | 9:00 am-1:00 pm
· The Pantry is CLOSED on Tuesday & Wednesday
Please note that the Pantry DOES NOT ACCEPT donations of books, clothing, furniture, appliances or other items.
If you have questions about the Pantry, or you need assistance delivering a large donation, please contact Robin Spencer at (631) 462-9800 x146 or email [email protected]
