PINE PLAINS — As one of the largest equestrian events in the country, the Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT) made a donation of $2,500 to the Pine Plains Community Food Locker (PPCFL) this January as part of its community outreach initiative. The check was presented by Louise Merryman, MHT organizer and board member.
“We are pleased to be able to give back to the community in which we live and which has been consistently unwavering in its support of the Millbrook Horse Trials,” Merryman said.
The MHT take place over four days in August each year and has been donating to the Pine Plains food pantry since 2014. Its goal is to donate $2,500 to the Food Locker each year.
The PPCFL has been operating since 1951. Once a month it distributes food to roughly 35 families that live in the Pine Plains Central School District, along with other basic necessities.
PPCFL Treasurer Ted Mallozzi said community involvement helps provide local residents with more than just the basic necessities. Community support also helps supply heating, clothing and medical assistance to those in need. The food pantry also relies on donations from the North East Community Center in Millerton and private individuals to help augment its budget. Additionally, donations of fresh produce are contributed from the Pine Plains Community Garden, Fat Apple Farm and Black Sheep Farm. Mallozzi said every bit helps.
“We rely heavily on the donations of local Pine Plains and Stanford residents to fund our annual budget,” he said. “But it is the donations from organizations such as the Millbrook Horse Trials that allow us to extend assistance beyond the bare minimum to the neediest in our community.”
The Food Locker is located in the basement of the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, located at 3023 Church St. (Route 199), which allows the program to use the building rent free. To reach the PPCFL, call 518-398-7273.
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
