By CAROLYN VAN SANT
PITTSFORD — After years of orchestrating details at the Pittsford Food Shelf, Pastor Joel Tate has turned the reins of over to Sarah Harrington. As the director’s position is part-time, Harrington, whose children are now all in school, is excited to get to work, she said.
The food shelf currently sees about 50-60 recipients per month made up of seniors, singles and families. The PFS has noted a drop-off in people receiving the food since the pandemic and is hoping that anyone in need reach out for assistance.l
The way this food shelf works is that a recipient is handed a sheet to fill out which tells them what foods they can choose from the shelves. A volunteer will help them shop, if needed. Anyone can come in to shop for the food. All that is needed is a proof of residence (a utility bill, perhaps) and the amount of food is dependent on how many one has in their household. The process is not income-based, so there are no worries about providing information on one’s wages.
There are items like pet food, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and personal bathroom items that are always needed. Boxes located around Pittsford are available where people can drop off food and other items as donations.
The food comes from a variety of places, including local farmers who donate produce and eggs, when available; local food manufacturers like Westminster Crackers, Olivia Croutons often donate boxes of food; and the federal government sends commodities like frozen and canned foods from their center in Barre. Meats are purchased by the food shelf itself. The federal food drop-offs happen the first Wednesday of every month.
The Pittsford Food Shelf was started in the town’s Congregational Church by Dick and Betty Pocock in 1984. It was moved to its current location as an Eagle Scout Project. A newly elected Board of Directors consisting of Chair Melanie Parker, Treasurer Dan Shea, and board members Nancy Eddy, Elizabeth Gray and Stacey Elliott.
The Pittsford Food Shelf is open to the townspeople of Pittsford, Florence, Proctor and Chittenden.
The PFS always accepts food. If you bring food and the food shelf isn’t open, you can walk through Keith’s and leave it next to the gate inside the building.
For more information, contact: Director@pittsfordfoodshelf.org; or call 802-725-0220.
