With the holidays around the corner, Sharon’s Pantry is gearing up to support those in need during this festive season.
Last weekend, the pantry held its Thanksgiving distribution, giving out turkeys and oven stuffers to families based on size. This year, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows RVC Chapter donated 35 turkeys and more to feed 35 families.
“The Odd Fellows have been very supportive of Sharon's Pantry and were truly a blessing this Thanksgiving distribution day,” said Rena Riback, the pantry’s co-founder.
However, following the government shutdown, the pantry has seen an increase in people seeking assistance. The number of visitors rose by about 50%, causing the pantry to deplete its resources sooner than expected.
The pantry operates strictly on donations and volunteers, and the number of families in need has been increasing since the beginning of the year due to rising costs of food, heating, and other essentials.
“Without the SNAP benefits, which provide the ability for people to get food, they have to make choices,” Riback said. “SNAP benefits are essential to people, and these are people who work two and three jobs for the most part, just trying to make ends meet.”
The pantry works hard to serve the community, offering two distribution days a month, with emergency pick-ups available as well.
“It's not just affecting our individual pantry,” she said. “It's affecting all pantries, particularly Long Island Cares and Island Harvest. This affects them as well, which in turn becomes a domino effect, because we also get food from them.”
The pantry is very appreciative of all those who have supported them and those in need during this increase. Groups including Boy and Girl Scout troops and South Side varsity sports teams have come together to support the pantry, and they are truly grateful.
“Our mission is to extend love, hope, and nourishment to our neighbors and families who may be struggling,” co-founder Sharon Sheppard and Executive Director Karen Mobley said in a joint statement. “Everyone deserves dignity, care, and compassion. Together, with our family and friends, we can ensure that no one goes hungry and no soul feels unseen. Let's make kindness contagious.”
Sharon’s Pantry currently serves more than 115 families each week, and that number continues to grow. The pantry expects that the rise in those in need is far from over and welcomes anyone who can volunteer to join them.
For more information on Sharon’s Pantry, visit SharonsPantry.org.
