THE COMMUNITY PANTRY AT SYJCC: FEEDING LONG ISLAND’S HUNGRY
The Community Pantry at the Suffolk Y JCC serves a wide range of individuals in need throughout Long Island. This includes homebound seniors and low-income individuals and families. Nearly half of the people we help are poor or near-poor, with long-term food insecurity. The other half are now struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related unemployment, unanticipated child care needs, and our overall economic climate. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, requests for assistance have quadrupled. We receive new requests every single day.
The Community Pantry provides non-perishable foods, household supplies, and personal care items for those who cannot come to our facility. We rely on a committed corps of volunteers to be able to keep deliveries going.
For those who are mobile, we have a Community Pantry drop-in site at our SYJCC building. This volunteer-facilitated space provides food to individuals and families struggling with food insufficiency in a dignified fashion. Volunteer donors bring food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies and help organize the space. Those in need come to shop (at no charge) for what they need (see details and hours below). More than 40 individuals and families visit the on-site Pantry each day, and this number will grow with support from the community.
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 households, including seniors and families, by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries, personal care items, and household cleaning supplies. All donated items must be unexpired, sealed in their original packaging, and unused. Perishable items must be kept cold and brought during the below hours.
Our priority request list changes weekly, so please check our website to see our most current needs.
Currently, our needs for this week are:
- Jelly
- Flushable Wipes
- Snacks
- Toiletries
- Spray Cleaners
Collection bins are located in the front lobby of the SYJCC for easy drop off of non-perishable food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies for The Community Pantry.
The Community Pantry drop-in space, accessible from the back parking lot of the SYJCC, also accepts non-perishable food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. In addition, we accept donations of perishable dairy items (e.g. milk, eggs, butter, yogurt, cheese) only during open hours:
· Monday & Thursday | 12:00- 6:00 pm
· Friday, Saturday, & Sunday | 9:00 am-1:00 pm
· The Pantry is CLOSED on Tuesday & Wednesday
Please note we DO NOT accept any other types of items, including clothing, books, furniture, or appliances.
If you have a large donation of food and need assistance, or if you have questions, please call (631) 462-9800 x151 or email us in advance at thepantry@syjcc.org.
VOLUNTEER
Pantry package DELIVERY: Pick up pantry packages from the Suffolk Y JCC and deliver to those requesting assistance from The Pantry. Days and times are flexible to meet your schedule.
Meal Delivery to Seniors: Pick up packaged fresh meals from the Suffolk Y JCC and deliver them to seniors in the community. Mon-Fri pick up times 11:00 am–12:00 pm
The Community Pantry at SYJCC: Help organize food and other items at the Sharing Table. Donate food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. 7 days a week, Mon & Thurs 12:00–6:00 pm, Fri, Sat & Sun 9:00 am–1:00 pm. The pantry is closed on Tues & Wed. Donations are accepted at the Sharing Table or in our front lobby.
To volunteer, please
For more information or questions, please contact Robin Spencer, our Volunteer Coordinator, x146 or email rspencer@syjcc.org
Grocery Shopping: Pick up an online shopping order for a local, homebound senior and deliver it to their home. Days and times vary.
Sunshine for SENIORS: Happy Birthday drop-off. Add some happiness to the birthday of a senior who is isolated and homebound. It can include cake, flowers, balloons or anything festive. You will be provided the recipient’s name and address. Please call and deliver your package on their birthday!
Interested in volunteering? Please email thepantry@syjcc.org
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Growing fresh vegetables and herbs for the Community Pantry during Spring & Summer seasons.
Volunteer to water, plant, or weed on weekends.
