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

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, last Friday.

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.