On Saturday, September 9 we participated in this year’s “Feeding Our Families Food Drive” organized by NBC, Telemundo, Stop & Shop and Feeding Westchester, a food bank. And our Dobbs Ferry shoppers showed their support in a big way! We filled 29 banana boxes with shelf stable donations including rice, soup, cleaning supplies, diapers and even a box of Mallomars. Additionally, our neighbors donated over $700 in cash. We are grateful for everyone’s support. A big thank you to Jason Cohen, the store manager (above).
Just some of the generous donations from Stop & Shop shoppers.
One big benefit of the food drive was being able to connect with so many shoppers who took a moment to chat with us. Here are some of the FAQs from the day.
Who does this food go to?
We feed our neighbors in the Rivertowns — Dobbs Ferry, Irvington and Ardsley — and residents of a pocket of Greenburgh. On an average week, we provide food to about 150 families. Our clients are people who work two or three jobs yet struggle to get by, seniors who’ve lived here a long time but find it hard to survive on a fixed income, refugees and migrants as well as folks unable to leave their homes who we deliver to.
What kind of food do you want me to donate?
We prefer healthy foods that don’t require refrigeration. When you pick something up for yourself, pick up a second one for your neighbor. Every week we give out pantry basics like rice, beans, pasta, cereal, tuna, soups, canned tomatoes, veggies and fruits. Our clients love to get cleaning supplies, coffee, oil, vinegar and snacks. We also distribute diapers for babies and adults.
I have food at home that I’d like to donate.
Happy to take shelf stable food that is within its expiration date. There’s a bin by the door of the South Presbyterian Church where you can leave donations anytime.
I’m part of a scout troop/religious group/ community organization. How can we support the pantry?
We’d be delighted to set up a food drive with your local group. Email us at dobbsferrypantry@gmail.com
Who works at the pantry?
The pantry is fully run by volunteers. There are no salaries, and 100% of monetary donations go to feeding our neighbors. Your monetary donations are tax deductible.
I don’t have time now, but I want to make a donation later.
There’s info and links on our website to help you donate!
If you missed us at Stop & Shop, you can find us at the Ferry Festa on Saturday, October 7. Happy to answer any other questions when we see you there.
Many Thanks!
There are so many supportive groups that help us on a regular basis. Here are a few of the generous folks who came by in September.
Woodlands Community Temple did a goods-and-gift card drive for us. A big thank you to Val, Sandy and Evie (above), who were driving forces for the event, and the folks shown below.
Springhurst Elementary school students harvested their produce for the pantry.
Mary Toomy, center, is a pantry volunteer and a member of The Scarsdale Woman’s Club, a regular pantry donor. She is shown here with pantry volunteer Andrew Smith and Rosemary King, also from The Scarsdale Woman’s Club.
We are always grateful to our regular weekly and monthly food donors: In addition to The Scarsdale Woman’s Club, Ardsley United Methodist Church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, Temple Beth Shalom, Zion Episcopal Church, and of course, South Presbyterian Church are longtime supporters.
We deeply appreciate the food contributions from Stop & Shop, Panera Bread, The Shop in Ardsley, Sunshine Bagels, Deep Roots Farm and Mom’s Organic Market.
We wrapped up the month with our annual Feeding Westchester site visit. We got an A+.
Sharon Bilman wrote this month’s newsletter. You can keep her busy by filling up the donation box.
Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry 