A small handful of volunteers have been with the Food Pantry since the very beginning. Today we highlight Aileen Hunt. Aileen and her husband Bill were part of the small group of people who started the Ossining Food Pantry in 1988. For the last 30 years, Aileen has worked diligently on Friday mornings distributing food to our clients. When asked about her favorite part of the work, Aileen remarked that she enjoys staying active and helping people. We thank Aileen for her 30 years of service to the community!

Photo: Aileen Hunt at Trinity Church distribution.

We wish to thank our wonderful family of donors who gave so generously during our end of year appeal. We are humbled by your generosity. The volunteers and clients of the Food Pantry understand that every dollar donated is a sacrifice to you. The Food Pantry does not receive funding from the federal government. We don't receive direct aid from the state either.  It is through the generous donations from people like you that we are able to keep our doors open. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT!

On the second weekend in December, five of Briarcliff Manor's retailers came together to help support the Food Pantry.  Share the Joy, started several years ago by Sue Bicksler-Taub of Holbrook Cottage, expanded this past holiday season to include Dunkin Kehn, March Boutique, Posh Nails, and Wondrous Things. During these two busy shopping days, each $5 donation to the Ossining Food Pantry made in-store was matched by the participating retailer. We thank these retailers for helping to raise awareness of Westchester's food-insecurity crisis and to raise funds for food. Thanks also goes to all of the individuals who donated in-store.

Phelps Hospital's Food and Nutrition department sponsored a winter food drive to benefit Ossining Food Pantry clients. To date, over 900 pounds of non-perishable food has been donated by Phelps employees, patients and visitors. 

We thank the Phelps community for supporting the Ossining Food Pantry with this huge donation of food.

Photo: (L to R) Karen Carlson, Ossining Food Pantry Director of In-kind Donations with Nathalie Bouthot and Patricia Foung from Phelps Hospital who oversaw the food drive. 

Many organizations and individuals donate food items to help us feed those in need. We plan to list a few of these organizations in each of our newsletters.  Just a few examples of organizations who have collected and donated food in recent months include: St. Theresa's Church, St. Augustine's Church and Youth Group, Brookside Elementary School, Ossining Cub Scout Pack 83, Heart of the Hudson Girl Scouts, Ossining Lions Club, Backstage Salon, as well as anonymous individuals who leave non-perishable food items at the Briarcliff Manor and Ossining libraries. Thank you!

If you would like to become involved with a food drive or if you would like to donate food, please call the Food Pantry at 914-762-5510. A volunteer will return the call and explain our non-perishable food needs.

Photo: (L to R) Friday morning distribution volunteers Veronica Cunningham, Nancy Castellucci, Maggie Pinque, Russel Woodyear, and Richard Mangiaracina.

With the help of our wonderful volunteers and generous donors, we are in our 30th year of service to those in need. In 2018, we will continue to distribute food at Trinity Church on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. We will fund and our volunteers will staff the Mobile Pantry, a refrigerated delivery truck, at Star of Bethlehem from March through December. We will continue to deliver food, through our Homebound Delivery Program, to those unable to come to Trinity as well as provide Emergency food relief, as needed. We will continue our Agency Delivery Program to Ossining childcare centers in an effort to help the working poor make ends meet.  Finally, we will continue to be so very thankful for everyone in the community who helps us make a difference for so many residents of the greater Ossining area. We could not do it without you!

Comments? Suggestions?? Please email your ideas to [email protected] and note NEWSLETTER in the subject line. 

Thank You!