How to help, utilize the region’s food pantries

As seasons change, the individual needs of families continue to evolve, as do the details of the organizations which aim to help those in need.

Food insecurity, however, continues to be one of the most critical areas that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, there are a number of pantries in the area, which are ready and willing to provide aid.

The following list provides basic details about the pantries. While the list is accurate as of press time, be sure to call ahead to check before making a trip to one of the pantries.

The other thing that does not change is the need for help in keeping the pantries up and running with contributions of food, money and volunteer labor. Most pantry directors say even a small contribution can make a big difference. Volunteers say even a few hours a week or month can bring a good deal of personal satisfaction.

Millerton/North East

Location: North East Community Center (NECC), 51 South Center St. Phone: 518-789-4259, ext. 124. Email: foodaccess@neccmillerton.org. Hours: Every Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.  

Location: NorthEast-Millerton Library - two programs. The Little Library Pantry at Veterans Park, at the intersection of Main Street and Dutchess Avenue. Hours 24/7. Take what you need, leave what you can. Also, the Little Free Grocery at the Library, 75 Main St. Phone: 518-789-3340 or submit an order at www.nemillertonlibrary.org for pick-up at the library. Walk-in shopping the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Annex, 28 Century Blvd. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: No. Donations needed: Yes, online or to P.O. Box 786, Millerton, NY 12546.

Amenia

Location: Immaculate Conception-St. Anthony’s Parish Catholic Church, 11 Lavelle Road. Phone: 845-373-8193. Hours: Third Saturday of the month. Hours: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: No. Donations needed: Yes.

Amenia Union

Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 40 Leedsville Road. Phone: 845-232-1461. Hours: Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m. Residency requirements: None. Volunteers needed: Yes. Go to stthomasamenia.com to sign up. Donations: Yes.

Ancramdale 

Location: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association at the Presbyterian Church Hall, at the intersection of routes 8 and 82. Phone: Jack Lindsey, 518-329-7306 or Hila Richardson, 917-414-8270. Hours: Monday, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Call for an appointment. Residency requirements: Ancram Township. Volunteers needed: No. Donations: Yes.

Copake/Hillsdale 

Location: Roe Jan Food Pantry, 2684 State Route 23, Hillsdale. Phone: Betty White,  518-441-2789. Hours: Fridays 10  to noon. Emergencies any time. Residency requirements: Taconic Hills School District, ID  suggested. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations: Yes, at IGA Market, 2628 Route 23, Hillsdale, or to P.O. Box 475, Hillsdale, NY  12529.  

Pine Plains 

Location: United Methodist Church, 3023 Church St. -  PO Box 511, Pine Plains 12567. Phone: 518-398-7692. Hours: Second Saturday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Residency requirements: Pine Plains Central School District, with proof of residency. Volunteers needed: No. Donations: Monetary, food and toiletries.

Location: Willow Roots Food Pantry, 7730 South Main St. Hours: first and third Saturday of each month, from 10 to 11 a.m. Thrift Store same hours. The Giving Box at the Pine Plains Library has drinks, snacks and food items. Phone: 518-751-0164. Residency requirements: Pine Plains Central School District. Volunteers needed: Yes. Donations: Yes: Send to office at 23 North Main St., or go to www.willowroots.org   

Millbrook

Location: Lyall Memorial Federated Church, 30 Maple Ave. Phone: Emergency Pantry, 845-242-6508 for an appointment. Meals on Wheels, 845-677-3485, leave a message.

Dover

Location: Center of Compassion Food Pantry, 52 Mill St. Phone: 845-877-9076. 

Lakeville, Connecticut  

Location: Corner Food Pantry, 80 Sharon Road. Phone: 860-435-9886. Hours:  Distribution is on Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Residency requirements: No. Volunteers needed: Yes - from both New York and Connecticut. Go to wwww.thecornerfoodpantry.org/get-involved to donate or volunteer or call the  pantry and leave a name and phone number. Regular drop off for donations is on Friday, 9 to 10 a.m., but there is a container in the garage.