CARMEL – Even in the wealthy areas of Putnam County, many are struggling with money. The St. John’s Church Food Pantry is a lifeline for around 450 people each week.
Each week, volunteers—many of them seniors—come together to pack bags filled with non-perishable food. Others arrive before sunrise to sort and distribute perishable items like milk, bread, and fresh produce.
Under the leadership of Edward Welch, the pantry thrives on the hard work of 51 dedicated volunteers. Welch takes pride in the fact that the pantry operates entirely on volunteer efforts, including unloading a large truck from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York each month.
On a recent Friday, volunteers from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York joined in to help with the food distribution, showcasing the community’s spirit and unity. Church Pastor Father Szymon Kurpios expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was such a joy to see their support.”
In addition to food distribution, the church community is active in spiritual practices, with plans for a group of Hispanic parishioners to walk the Stations of the Cross through Mahopac next Friday.
Father Szymon also mentioned that Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan will visit next Saturday for a special blessing of food, highlighting the church’s role in both community service and spiritual guidance.
A recent survey shows that food insecurity is a growing concern across the U.S., with around 10% of households facing hunger. This situation underscores the importance of local initiatives like the food pantry. Programs aimed at providing food assistance have seen increased demand in the past year, highlighting the critical role of community support during tough economic times.
The work of the St. John’s Church Food Pantry exemplifies how compassion and collaboration can create a positive impact. In a world where many feel isolated and overwhelmed, these community efforts remind us of the strength found in helping one another.
To learn more about food security initiatives or to find resources in your area, you can visit the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
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