The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation has made a grant to assist the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry provide food assistance to anyone in need. Established in March of 1984, the members of seven church congregations within Smithtown saw a need to provide food to residents who could not afford to feed their families. This is an ecumenical project that depends on the parishioners of all seven churches to work together as one in order to provide food and to staff the pantry on a rotating basis. Their motto is “to aid residents in an Emergency Food Crisis.”
The Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry continued to make an impact, even when they had to shut down at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. They reached out directly to their clients via phone, email and personal visits to distribute grocery gift cards until they could return to limited hours. They are currently reorganizing and upgrading the facility to enable clients to “shop” in a Covid-safe way rather than receiving prepacked bags.
“It’s important for the foundation to recognize and support the important efforts of the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, especially during this time of crisis,” said foundation president Peter J. Klein.” Food insecurity is a troubling by-product of the pandemic and we are proud to assist the pantry as upgrade their facilities to better distribute groceries to those in need,” said Klein.
For more information or to make a donation visit www.smithtownfoodpantry.org