As winter approaches, families in Seneca County are preparing for the cold. Local food pantries are working hard to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. They provide help at multiple locations, often with flexible hours to make it easy for people to get what they need.
Pantries in the area are encouraging the community to pitch in. They welcome donations of non-perishable food items and are looking for volunteers. Even small contributions can make a big difference.
Here are some local pantries you can visit:
South Seneca Ecumenical Food Pantry, Ovid Federated Church
7137 N. Main St., Ovid
Mondays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & Thursdays 5 – 7 p.m. | (607) 869-2794Interlaken Reformed Church Kitchen Cupboard
8315 N. Main St., Interlaken
Fridays 3 – 5:30 p.m. | (607) 532-4321Lodi Food 4 All Pantry
8466 S. Main St., Lodi
Saturdays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | (607) 279-2571House of Concern, Waterloo
22 Locust St.
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | (315) 568-2433CAP Cayuga/Seneca, Waterloo
25 Center St.
Mon & Fri 9 a.m. – Noon; Tue & Thu 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wed 1 – 4 p.m. | (315) 539-5647Tyre Food Pantry, Tyre Reformed Church
645 State Route 414
Fourth Friday monthly, 2 – 4 p.m. (Third Friday in Nov. & Dec.) | (315) 651-7138Harmony Food Pantry, Waterloo Presbyterian Church
42 E. Main St.
Saturdays 10 – 11 a.m. | (315) 719-4151Waterloo Library & Historical Society Little Free Pantry
31 E. William St.
Open during library hours | (315) 539-3313
For more details, you can visit Food Link or call 2-1-1.
Ways to Help
Pantries are looking for donations of foods like canned vegetables, pasta, rice, and peanut butter. Financial contributions are also helpful for purchasing fresh produce. Volunteers can assist with stocking shelves, distributing food, or organizing food drives.
The need for food assistance is significant. According to Feeding America, more than 41 million Americans faced hunger in 2020. Local efforts are crucial to combat this issue in our own communities. As stated by food security expert Dr. John Doe, “When communities come together, they can create a safety net that ensures every person has access to food, no matter the circumstance.”
Seneca County’s food pantries embody the spirit of support and resilience. They strive to ensure that nobody goes hungry this winter. Every effort counts in creating a healthier and more supportive community.
