RETURNING, JANUARY 8TH: Free Food Pantry, Fridays, 546 Main Street, 4:00 to 6:30 P.M.

Update for December 18th, 2020

"We will be having the food pantry tomorrow," Wendy Hersh tell us. "Due to the weather people will line up on Main street by 546," instead of the courtyard behind PSD.

But more importantly, she adds, "I am waiting to hear form our vendor to see if there will be any deliveries after this before the first of the new year."

As both Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Fridays, the next two weeks are uncertain. So, keep that in mind while picking up what you need this week.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.

Changes, Effective December 11th, 2020

"We ask that you please be patient with us as we are trying our best to accommodate everyone according to the COVID 19 statistics, safety precautions and weather conditions," says RIDA executive director and food bank organizer, Wendy Hersh.

Every week requires some scrambling and ongoing support from PSD and the CBN/RI Senior Center to keep the free food pantry running. Last week, a plan to hand out boxes, thereby reducing one-on-one interactions, proved unwieldy because the boxes were just too heavy.

So, this week, everything moves back inside.

"Pantry number will be given out form 10am-1pm in back of security office tomorrow morning. The pantry will be inside the senior center starting at 4pm. Please line up behind the Public Safety Office . IDs, Masks, and carts are required."

According to the forecast, tomorrow should not be an issue, but in the event of bad weather, plans are now in place to move the distribution line back out to the covered area along Main Street.

Everyone is, of course, still welcome, no questions asked.

Changes, Effective December 4th, 2020

With COVID-19 infections returning to dangerous levels in New York City, Roosevelt Island Disabled Association executive director, Wendy Hersh, announced changes in distribution methods, beginning tomorrow.

Everyone is still welcome, and thanks to generous partners, plenty of groceries are still available.

However, Hersh says, "The RIDA food Pantry will resume serving the community this Friday, December 4th from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Due to the pandemic numbers rising, in order to keep everyone safe, we will be distributing boxes of food by the RI senior center garden gate off of the 540 Main St alleyway. PLEASE bring your ID and a Shopping cart as the boxes may be heavy. 

In other words, no one but volunteers will be allowed inside the senior center. Boxes of food will be handed out to anyone who asks outside at the garden gate entrance. Priority is given to those who obtain numbers in advance.

Numbers will be given out as usual from 1:00pm-2:00pm behind the public safety office.

Changes, Effective October 23rd, 2020

To avoid the long lines, everyone wishing to get food should to get a ticket in the Senior Center Garden, between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Then, the line will form in the 560 Main Street alleyway at 2:00. Numbers will be called. Then, anyone without a number will be allowed to come in. No one will be refused.

Roosevelt Island's needs are great when it comes to hunger, but coordinated by Disabled Association executive director, Wendy Hersh, our community has answered the call.

Hersh reports currently serving over 190 individuals. Most stood in long lines, from 546 Main south past Wholesome Factory, starting more than an hour before the pantry opened, in October.

 

The free food giveaway launched during the height of the pandemic shutdown and has continued, dependent on volunteers and donations, every week since, although leader Hersh, a state employee, returned to a full workload.

"But it is for the good of our community. So I don’t mind," she said.

Her spirit is much admired, serving as an example of the best of Roosevelt Islanders.