Pantries and nonprofits scramble to meet needs

“There is a fear,” said Fr. James E. Reiss, rector-elect, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, noting his church’s pantry has seen an uptick from the most ever of 130 families two weeks ago, to a total of 197 last Thursday, Nov. 6.

St. Paul’s hands out nonperishables and other offerings at their parish offices, located on Rider Avenue twice per week. The community, he said, can help by dropping off food or offering to host food drives.

Local organizations, including SEPA Mujer and the Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services, have already been offering help to offset the increased need.

“This is the worst time for the people of God who are recipients, but it’s the best time for the people to show their wonderful humanity in coming together for the holidays,” Reiss said. “However, this need has to be confronted past Jan. 1, as the need continues all year.”

The pantry is open on Monday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 10 a.m. Donations can be dropped off at the parish office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers suggest not dropping donations outside the doors as they will have to be thrown away.

As the government continues its shutdown, programs like SNAP (food stamp) benefits are being cut back. Despite New York beginning to send out “some” of the payments, the uncertainty has caused an increase in need at local pantries.

Debbie Loesch, founder of Angels of Long Island, said the nonprofit has already seen a “surge” in people looking for food and scared by what could continue to happen if benefits continue to be affected by the shutdown.

“A lot of people who come here are typically seniors, veterans, and working families that get SNAP benefits that don’t make it to the end of the month,” she said of who they typically served, even prior to the shutdown.

Last Saturday, she said, the truck came with food and usually they serve about 30 to 40 families, but this time they had over 100 families lining up.

“That’s more than double; I thank God for the many Long Islanders that are stepping up to help,” she said, noting the government expects nonprofits to fill in the gaps, despite their lack of funding. “I don’t know how we’re going to meet the need. At the end of the day, it’s going to be less food per person. I feel bad and the holidays are right around the corner.

She said she is also concerned that HEAP, the heating oil assistance program, will be affected.

“Not only will they be hungry, but now they will be cold, too,” she said. “This is the worst game of political chicken I have ever seen.”

The Angels are currently seeking both food and monetary donations that can be dropped off at the East Patchogue location during regular business hours. Money donations can be made online at www.angelsoflongisland.com

Also, the Angels will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Day event in their parking lot, with heated tents from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fresh cooking on site and fried turkeys. Everyone in the community is invited to sit and enjoy a meal or bring one home. Last year, they fed about 600.

PMYCS executive director Samantha Wood said the delay of SNAP benefits has left hundreds of local families in crisis.

“The impact has been immediate and deeply felt, both by the families we serve and by the nonprofits working tirelessly to support them,” she said. “It’s been an emotional and challenging time for our entire community. As more families reach out for help, no act of support is too small.”

Donations can be dropped off at PMYCS, 390 Bay Avenue, or made online at www.pmycs.org. Those interested in getting involved on a larger scale can email samantha@pmycs.org.

Needed items include canned soups, veggies and beans, tuna, peanut butter and jelly, cereal and hygiene products.

“Other than air and water, food is a most basic need. Kind and loving people are making donations, but they are being vastly outstripped by need,” said Fr. Dwight Lee Wolter of the Congregational Church of Patchogue.

He recalled when the government was shut down in 2018-2019, many people were unexpectedly thrust into a food shortage, he said.

“This 2025 shutdown is far worse,” he added. “Financial donations are needed for items not often contributed but very much needed, such as diapers and feminine products. Money allows pantries to purchase what is needed, but not on shelves.”

Money can be donated online at churchonmainstreet.org through the “donate” button on the opening page that takes you to a secure PayPal link. Or a check can be made out to the Congregational Church of Patchogue with “food pantry” in the memo section and mailed to 95 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772.  

The Lighthouse Mission in Bellport is also continuing as a 100 percent community-supported nonprofit that feeds 10,000-plus people every month.

“When families lose benefits, Lighthouse Mission is ready to feed the hungry, providing clothing, and share the hope of Jesus to those in need across Long Island,” said pastor Jim Ryan. “Everyone leaves with food in their hands and hope in their hearts.”

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Mission, 1543 Montauk Highway, Bellport, NY 11713.