Food Pantry Preparing for Holidays

By: Carlo Taglioretti

The sustainability of the longest lasting program within The Dutchess Outreach, the Beverly Cloys Food Pantry, is a hallmark of the hardworking and selfless nature of the community in and around Poughkeepsie, NY.

The essential aspect of having volunteers cannot be stressed enough, especially when looking at the food pantry. “Totally free for people in need,” said the Director of Development Sarah A. Salem.

They serve about 83,000 meals over the year; to families and children that are in dire need of essential items. From fresh produce, to non perishables, to personal hygiene items, the food pantry is a volunteered run system.

As the holidays pick up along with the cold weather, Salem mentions how this year the need for meats, proteins, and especially frozen meats is always high.

There is always bountiful amounts of produce or starches; however the necessity of proteins like beans and chicken is usually at a low supply when it comes to the holiday season.

“Accepting donations like non perishables is always key,” said Salem. The essence of the food pantry is result of unselfish and caring people giving their canned goods, peanut butter, toiletries, etc to people who are less fortunate. Delivering to homes is always a common custom however, recently that trend has declined.

The demographics of the people who the food pantry reaches revolves around the Poughkeepsie area and the surrounding Dutchess counties. There is a greater percentage of people coming from the City of Poughkeepsie, yet the people that come from the eastern Dutchess area cannot be neglected.

Salem also talked on the issue of reaching people in the rural regions of Dutchess County and how there is no major grocery store for the people in that area.

“The pantry serves as an emergency food service, we track the food and serve our surrounding counties,” said Salem.

They require each person bring identification to the food pantry so that they can regulate their demand and report on what they need from the regional food bank.

The dedication from the community and the reliability from the sponsors and donors aid the food pantry and build what the Beverley Class Food Pantry is today.

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