As the holiday season approaches, the East Hampton Food Pantry is gearing up for its annual Harvest Food Drive, aptly named “Mission Impossible: Feeding East Hampton’s Hungry.” With rising food insecurity in the East End, this initiative aims to make a significant impact on local families in need.
With winter quickly setting in and the holiday season unfolding, the numbers of those facing hunger tend to surge. The East Hampton Food Pantry recognizes this trend, attributing it to the culmination of seasonal job closures and the strain of increased expenses on essentials like groceries, gasoline, and home heating. In response to these challenges, the East Hampton community rallies together, embodying the spirit of giving. The pantry acknowledges the community’s commitment to the principle that “it is better to give than to receive.”
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for November 18, the Saturday preceding Thanksgiving when the East Hampton Food Pantry will host its 11th annual Harvest Food Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place on the lawn in front of East Hampton Middle School, providing a convenient drop-off point for local residents.
Volunteers will be present to collect canned goods and nonperishable items, offering the additional service of carrying donations from vehicles. Simultaneously, just across Newtown Lane at Stop & Shop, volunteers will be stationed with shopping carts, distributing lists of recommended food items that shoppers can purchase and contribute to the cause.
For those who prefer a virtual contribution, the East Hampton Food Pantry has partnered with YouGiveGoods to host an online food drive. Running until November 14, this virtual drive allows participants to purchase items from a designated list, and all contributions will be delivered directly to the pantry. The convenience of supporting this cause from the comfort of home aligns with the evolving ways people engage in charitable endeavors.
Donations made to the East Hampton Food Pantry are tax-deductible, encouraging individuals to participate and contribute to the community’s well-being. Look out for flyers and ads featuring a QR code leading directly to the YouGiveGoods page, streamlining the process for potential donors.
Reverend Connie Jones, a board member, conceived the pantry’s inaugural Harvest Food Drive and has been a dedicated shepherd of the initiative since its inception. According to Reverend Jones, the drive is a beloved annual event. She notes how compassion and giving to others play a vital role in leading a fulfilling and happy life. By participating in the food drive, people have the opportunity to feed both their neighbors and their hearts.
The mission of the East Hampton Food Pantry centers around addressing hunger in the Town of East Hampton. Their objective is to maintain a hub for the collection, storage, and distribution of food, reaching out to those in need, raising public awareness, and garnering support from various sectors through volunteerism and donations of food or funds. As the community unites for ‘Mission Possible,’ the East Hampton Food Pantry stands resilient in its commitment to combat hunger and make a meaningful impact on the lives of local families during the holiday season.
