Given recent concerns about a SNAP shutdown and about soaring inflation, the Narrowsburg Ecumenical Food Pantry is more important than ever.

The organization is headed by Jennifer Maurizzio, Francis Cape and Erin Fairbanks, who coordinate 20 to 25 volunteers serving an average of 50 local families monthly. Food is distributed from St. Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church, 51 Bridge St. in Narrowsburg, NY, on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 pm. Clients can count on a monthly distribution of staples and have the weekly opportunity to choose from the latest inventory of donations and purchases.

Those wondering if they qualify can learn more and apply for distributions by visiting www.NarrowsburgEcumenicalFoodPantry.com

Those looking to support these good efforts can leave non-perishable foods in the collection bin near the front entrance of Pete’s Grocery Store on Kirks Road in Narrowsburg. Those hoping to donate money or leave goods in person can do so from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the church. 

Please note, non-perishables or cash are always preferred for in-person donations, as the food pantry can purchase dairy, meat and produce in bulk for better prices. Simply put: your cash goes further and does more.

A college friend with a huge family was kind enough to provide a list of preferred supplies that can stretch when food is scarce. Those supplies include bread, butter, oatmeal, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice, beans, canned vegetables, cream soups, pasta sauce, salt, pepper, catsup, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, pickles, olives, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, powdered milk and vanilla. 

Comedian/actress Mo Collins posted these Facebook tips, which were originally compiled by Paula Garfield. Garfield spoke directly to food pantry organizers. Here are a few of the learnings:

1. Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese is, at times, a popular donation. Those donating should be aware that it needs milk and butter, which are sometimes hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure. Kids need it for cereal, and it doesn’t perish.
3. Pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles are staples. Variety is always appreciated.
4. The awesome canned veggies and soup are best used when they have pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury and needed for popular items like Rice-a-Roni.
6. Spices are a real gift, which helps create variety that families enjoy.
7. Tea bags and coffee make clients very happy.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. Seeds are appreciated in spring and summer, because growing can be easy for some clients.
10. Canned tuna/chicken and crackers make a good, convenient lunch.
11. Food pantries often receive peanut butter and jelly. Consider adding a loaf of sandwich bread to your donation.
12. Cake mixes and frosting make it possible to celebrate birthdays and are considered a real treat that can last for a while.
13. Dishwashing detergent is expensive and is always appreciated.
14. Everyone loves Stove Top stuffing.

In this season of gratitude, consider giving thanks for all you have by making donations to the Narrowsburg Ecumenical Food Pantry. You’ll be helping more than you could ever know. If your family is in need, please explore your eligibility. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “You can’t do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”