The Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry serves seniors, families, and single parents, families who have experienced a difficult turn in life: divorce, the death of a spouse, job loss, or ongoing financial struggles. They live in Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Elmsford, Irvington, and parts of Greenburgh. There is no judgment, because it could be any one of us, at any time, who needs a helping hand. These families are our friends and neighbors.
When you pass by, you will see what looks like a farmers market—tablecloths on every table, music playing, fresh produce, breakfast items, eggs, organic products, protein choices, bagels, bread, and pastries.
What you don’t see is the soft place to land: respect, kindness, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a hug to comfort. That is what our volunteers provide every week, 52 weeks a year, in both the cold and the heat—wholeheartedly.
In the freezing cold, one of our clients had no gloves. A volunteer asked, “Where are your gloves?” and the reply was, “I don’t have any.” Our volunteer took off her own gloves and gave them to her.
We had a client who was dying from cancer—a slow, painful journey. One of our volunteers would visit her each week, bringing Carvel ice cream and listening to her life stories, continuing every week until her passing.
When children are in line with their parents, we take them out of line to get a cookie or donut, and sometimes we have a toy or stuffed animal. We make them feel special, because they are.
And you might also see some singing and dancing to an old disco song or familiar Motown music! There is joy—and yes, some shenanigans, too. We are all one family, after all.
What you also don’t see is the love and appreciation our volunteers receive from the families we serve. One client makes the volunteers delicious Dominican hot chocolate in the cold of winter; another prepares hibiscus iced tea in the heat of summer. It is their way of giving back to the pantry. We have truly built a community.
Beyond food, our families also need supplies that many of us take for granted: hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap; feminine hygiene products; diapers and adult diapers; cleaning supplies; and spices.
The outreach from our surrounding communities and organizations over the past year has been astounding. We couldn’t do what we do every week without your help. Thank you to all the donors—from those who contribute through our Amazon Wish List, to those who make monetary donations or organize individual food drives.
We have also had tremendous ongoing support from the following organizations:
Alcott School, Ardsley Public Schools, Community Nursery School, Dobbs Ferry PTSA, Dobbs Ferry Public Schools, Elmwood Camp, Fordham Prep, Irvington Public Schools, The Masters School, Mercy University, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cabrini, Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, Sewa Diwali Group, Shames JCC, South Presbyterian Church, Temple Beth Shalom, United Methodist Church, The Woodlands, Zion Church, Club Pilates, Houlihan Lawrence, Scarsdale Women’s Club, The Extended Family, MOM’s Organic Market, Panera, Stop & Shop, Sunshine Bakery, and The Shop. We have also received supplies, clothing, and knitwear donations from the Pelosi Family, YarnBarn Buddies, and Mary’s Yarns.
Thank you as well to the local talent and venues that have generously donated their time and talents: the Crop Hunger Walk and Irvington Presbyterian Church, David Janeway and the Jazz Forum, Greetings from Anywhere, The Hendersons, and Hudson Social.
This list is truly overwhelming—schools, religious organizations of all denominations, businesses, local food donors, and artists—all coming together to help those in need.
Words cannot fully express our gratitude for all that you do to support us.
Donna Assumma Co-Director of the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry
Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry 