Catholic Charities to Partner with St. Joseph’s Parish and Food Bank of HV to Feed Hungry Neighbors in Orange, Sullivan & Ulster

Launch of Drive-Thru Pantries will Increase Size and Frequency of Food Distribution

NEWBURGH – Remnants of Tuesday’s snow and cold temperatures were reminders of just some of the challenges faced by the marginalized and vulnerable. Add in a pandemic, high unemployment, remote learning, and quarantine requirements, and the outlook can be quite bleak for people who are struggling to keep food on their table.

Catholic Charities employees, elected officials, and community members gathered outside 280 Broadway, Newburgh, a social and human services resource hub, prior to the not-for-profit agency’s first pop-up food pantry of the new year, for the introduction of a new food distribution initiative to help feed neighbors in need.

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster announced that it will be partnering with St. Joseph’s Parish (New Paltz) and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to launch a series of drive-thru pop-up food pantries at locations in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Catholic Charities provides assistance to those in need regardless of religion (or no religion).

“Thanks to a generous grant from St. Joseph’s Parish, we will be increasing the frequency and the size of our Pop-Up Pantries,” said Shannon Kelly, Deputy CEO of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. “Working with the Food Bank, Catholic Charities will partner with local groups to hold contactless food distributions several times a month in locations throughout each county. Especially during the winter months, having a drive-through option for those in need will allow us to expand our current outreach efforts to feed our neighbors.”

When the world came to a halt last March, Catholic Charities remained open, providing essential services to the marginalized and vulnerable. Programs and services adapted swiftly to meet new and changing needs to ensure that those in need were able to keep a roof over their head and food on their table.

“Many of those served by Catholic Charities were already struggling before the shutdown,” said Tom Strahle, Vice Chair, Catholic Charities Board of Directors. “When businesses closed down and kids were home from school, food insecurity skyrocketed. Catholic Charities remained open as an essential service and food assistance, along with baby supplies and other necessities, were made available five days a week. We implemented delivery services for those who were unable to make it to a pantry location due to health or travel restrictions and we hosted pop-up pantries to increase accessibility. Our team was busy – and creative,” said Strahle.

According to Feeding America, 15.6% Americans are food insecure and 23% of children face food insecurity right now. Since the start of the pandemic, 4 in 10 people are visiting food banks for the first time. Eighty percent of food banks are serving more people now than they did a year ago.

Catholic Charities has distributed more than 154,000 meals to nearly 6,800 households across three counties since pandemic restrictions began in March 2020. Pop-Up Pantries have been hosted in each of the cities in each county. In addition to food, winter coats, hygiene items, and other necessities are provided.

“Like Catholic Charities, St. Joseph’s Parish is committed to helping our neighbors in need,” said Fr. Sal Cordaro, OFM, Cap, Pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish, New Paltz. “Their outreach efforts will increase food distribution and provide critical access in under-served communities. We are blessed to have the good fortune to support this initiative to feed our neighbors.”

New York State Senator James Skoufis added, “I thank Catholic Charities, St. Joseph’s Parish and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley for going above and beyond to get necessary items, food, and essential resources to our community. This is a great example of community organizations coming together to develop innovative ways to get support to residents in need. I was proud to stand alongside them as they announced the launch of drive-thru pantries in the Hudson Valley and look forward to continuing to support their ever-important work.”

Before wrapping up the program to start the day’s Pop-Up Pantry, Ms. Kelly expressed hope that community members would be inspired by St. Joseph’s Parish. “I’d like to invite those who are able to consider making a monetary donation to help feed our neighbors,” said Kelly. “Each dollar donated can help provide at least four meals when we work with Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Every dollar can, and does, make a difference.”

Catholic Charities first drive-through pantry event will be held February 10 from 12 to 4 pm at 396 Broadway in Monticello. A tentative schedule of upcoming pantries will be available at www.cccsos.org. Donations may be made securely online at www.cccsos.org.

Those in need of food or other emergency assistance, should reach out to Catholic Charities at ccosuregionalhelpline@cccsos.org.

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Cutline 1: Prior to today’s Pop-Up Food Pantry hosted by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, the agency announced new funding provided by St. Joseph’s Parish, New Paltz, that will allow the agency to increase the size and frequency of its food distribution events to include drive-through pantry distributions. Making the announcement (at podium) is Shannon Kelly, Deputy CEO for Catholic Charities. She was joined for the announcement by (l-r) Assembly member Colin Schmitt, Sara Gunn, Director of the  Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Fr. Sal Cordaro, St. Joseph’s Parish, Senator James Skoufis, Tom Strahle, Catholic Charities board member, and Hector Morell, Catholic Charities Director of Social and Human Services.

 

Cutline 2: At today’s press event Catholic Charities announced funding to launch drive-through food pantries and increase the size and frequency of its Pop-Up pantry events. Speakers displayed some of the food bags that were being distributed at today’s Pop-Up pantry hosted at 280 Broadway, Newburgh. (l-r) Assembly member Colin Schmitt, Sara Gunn, Director, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Fr. Sal Cordaro, St. Joseph’s Parish, Shannon Kelly, Deputy CEO, Catholic Charities, NYS Senator James Skoufis, and Tom Strahle, Catholic Charities Board Member.

CC Pop Up Pantry Tentative Dates-Locations 2021