The Catskill Chronicle

Monticello Pantry Needs Assistance from the Community

MONTICELLO, NY (February 20, 2014) – The St. John’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry in Monticello is struggling to keep its shelves stocked and its doors open. The pantry, which is completely run by volunteers, serves as a lifeline against hunger for high-risk individuals and families including the elderly, children and the working poor.

In recent years, the economic downturn has led to a dramatic increase in the number of pantry clients. Over 200 families – between 800 and 1000 individuals – visit the pantry each month. St. John’s provides enough food for three days, as well as personal hygiene projects and other supplies. Through a needs-assessment system, pantry volunteers and representatives from area organizations also offer information about various community resources.

“It’s been difficult to meet the increased need in our community. At times, the food supply is exhausted well before the last week of the month,” said volunteer Jan Downing, who runs the pantry. “Other area pantries have closed or stopped accepting new people. So we began opening earlier, closing later, and we broadened our service area to the Town of Thompson and surrounding areas to try to meet the need,” said Downing, “but it’s been difficult.”

The pantry is open the first four Tuesdays of the month from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. in the undercroft of St. John’s Episcopal Church (15 St. John Street, Monticello).

The St. John’s Episcopal Church Caring Hands Food Pantry has been an integral part of the Sullivan County community since 1994. As one of the only “choice” food banks in Sullivan County, St. John’s values its clients’ right to choose the foods that meet their diverse dietary needs.

“We’ve seen more and more low-income working people coming through our doors,” Downing said, “Many are just barely ineligible for public assistance and they need a little extra help. Increased unemployment and a growing homeless population have also brought our numbers way up.”

Individuals and organizations who want to help the pantry can contact Jan at jandowning1@hotmail.com or call 845-701-5277. Donations of food, money or time are greatly appreciated. Pantry volunteers are needed to provide referrals to clients, assist with food deliveries and distribution, and offer assistance with outreach and fundraising.

Checks can be made payable to St. John’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry and mailed to PO Box 107, Monticello NY, 12701. Food donations can be dropped off during the pantry’s operating hours.

(Editor’s note: Due to the economic hard times, it is common knowledge that all food pantries are finding it hard to serve their clients. Please consider helping not only St. John’s, but any food pantry in your geographical location.)