Caroline Episcopal Church is embarking on a mission to make a profound difference in our local community. We're constructing a food pantry dedicated to serving the Three Village area, encompassing Old Field, Poquott, the Setaukets, and Stony Brook.
EMLI is supporting the Food Pantry at Caroline in two concrete ways:
- Shelving for Organized Storage: Food stores initially were housed on tabletops in a cramped space. The pantry has since purchased durable steel shelving units to efficiently store food items, facilitating rotation and access.
- Supplemental Items: EMLI grant funding also helps the pantry procure at-cost supplemental items that participants may require but may not find in a typical food pantry setting, such as bread, milk, cheese, meat, and formula.
The idea for this ministry emerged from a comprehensive needs assessment, conducted in collaboration with local non-profits and community groups. The Three Village Community has expressed a sincere need for a food pantry. Regular requests for food assistance, combined with the absence of such resources in nearby denominational churches, underscore the urgency of this initiative.
Caroline Church can serve as the central hub for shelf-stable food resources. Located in Setauket, NY, their property will serve as the distribution center for these vital resources. They plan to host formal monthly distributions while also being available to those in need on a daily basis, from Sunday to Friday. Additionally, Caroline Church aims to support other local non-profits by offering their pantry as a resource for their clients. Participants will have the freedom to choose items that meet their specific needs, preserving their dignity and choice.
In a region where food scarcity is a pressing concern, this ministry aims to make a significant impact. By providing essential resources, they aspire to alleviate the struggles faced by area youth, college students, and families, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those in the community.
Several goals of this burgeoning ministry include: serving over 100 community members per month, collaborating with at least 2 new community groups each month to help stock and maintain the pantry, and raising awareness about food scarcity in the community among those supporting the pantry.