The Food Cupboard is an ongoing program at both churches of the St. Paul and St. Ann Parish.
St. Ann’s Food Cupboard: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., the doors of St. Ann’s Food Cupboard open to welcome individuals and families from across Rockland County who need a helping hand. Located in St. Ann’s School Cafeteria, the Food Cupboard provides emergency groceries to help bridge the gap when monthly income doesn’t cover all the essentials.
Our volunteers work year-round to serve each guest with dignity and kindness. Proper identification is required, and every visitor leaves with several bags of groceries — and a sense of community care.
From May through October, the Marydell Garden of Faith and Piermont Community Garden generously share their bounty, providing freshly picked produce for our guests. Many of our basic food items come through grants, including from the Regional Food Bank of New York, as well as ongoing donations from St. Ann’s parishioners.
The Need Never Stops
Food insecurity doesn’t take a break, and neither do we. Donations of non-perishable food items are always welcome and may be left in the baskets located at the back of the Church. Each contribution helps us meet the ever-growing demand for assistance in our community.
A Call for Volunteers
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve, consider joining our Food Cupboard team! Volunteers of all ages are invited to share their time and talents — stocking shelves, helping guests select items in our new “Client Choice” Cupboard, or assisting patrons with carrying grocery bags. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, make friends, and directly impact the lives of our neighbors.
How You Can Help
Our shelves are replenished weekly, and we depend on the generosity of donors to keep them filled. We’re especially in need of:
Cereal or oatmeal
Pasta (1 lb. packages) and pasta sauce
Boxed macaroni & cheese
Peanut butter
Dry beans and rice
Tuna fish
Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats (beef stew, chicken, etc.)
Cooking oil (plastic bottles)
Fruit juice (plastic bottles or cans)
Parmalat or powdered milk
Thanksgiving Giving
As the holidays approach, we’re also preparing Thanksgiving Baskets for local families. We’re accepting donations of:
Turkeys (including Free Turkey vouchers from ShopRite)
Boxed stuffing
Instant mashed potatoes
Canned yams or sweet potatoes
Canned vegetables
Together, we can make this season a time of hope and gratitude for all. For more information about donating or volunteering, please email us at: [email protected]
At St. Paul’s, the Food Cupboard distributes groceries to Rockland County residents in need typically on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Our mission is to provide a variety of healthy foods to individuals and families, helping to bridge the gap when monthly income does not cover essential expenses.
Clients can register at any distribution; they will be asked to present two forms of identification, a photo ID and proof of address (such as a utility or medical bill) to confirm Rockland County residency.
Our Food Cupboard receives funding through grants that allow us to purchase food, but we also rely heavily on community donations. Throughout the year non-perishable food items may be donated by leaving them in the box in the back of St. Paul Church in Congers or contact the food cupboard at[email protected]to make other arrangements.
We are especially in need of:
Cereal or Oatmeal
Pasta (1 lb. packages) & Pasta Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese (boxed mixes)
Peanut Butter
Dry Beans & Rice
Tuna Fish or Canned Meat (chicken or beef stew)
Canned Fruits or Vegetables
Canned Soups
Thanksgiving Donations Needed for our Thanksgiving Baskets:
Turkeys
Potatoes/Yams
Gravy
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Rice
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Sweet Treats
You can make a difference by sharing your time and kindness. New volunteers are always welcome and work alongside experienced helpers. Volunteers meet weekly to pack bags, stock shelves, and get ready for each distribution so there are plentiful opportunities to be involved. For students in need of service hours, hours are tracked and service hour letters can be provided upon request. All volunteer opportunities are announced through Flocknote. To join our contact list, please email[email protected].
Please note St. Paul’s Food Cupboard is housed on the St. Paul School campus: 365 Kings Highway, Valley Cottage, New York
For more information, please contact the Parish Office.