Coronavirus Impacts East End Food Pantries: ‘There Is Plenty Of Food’

During these most difficult and frightening times facing the world due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and in particular our nation, a new normal challenging us all may be the sustained procurement of food for yourself and your family. So along with medical supplies, and as amusing as it might seem – toilet paper – we must act as a united front so that there is nourishment available for the most vulnerable among us.

Many of our East End citizens already face the challenge of hunger on a daily basis, and food pantries from Hampton Bays to Montauk are valiantly trying to keep supplies stocked, doors open and assistance ready and available.

Below is a list of some area food pantries and contact information for our area:

Heart of the Hamptons
168 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-6415
heartofthehamptons.org

Hilton Crosby, Executive Director, advised, “Our hours are down to every Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for pick-up. We have more than enough food for everyone – no one is going to starve, however, if for some reason you feel that you do not have enough food to get through the week, call and leave a message or email us to set up an appointment before the next Wednesday.”

“We ask everyone to practice patience, patience, patience,” Crosby urges. “If you have food then don’t come and take from someone who may not.”

“We operate out of a basement, so come to the door, knock and someone will bring a pre-packed bag containing enough food to get you to the following Wednesday. We are not accepting any food donations at this time, as we are trying to widen the gap between the food we have now and potential contamination with any donated items.”

Crosby relayed, “We are in communication with grocery stores and there is no shortage of food, so be responsible, follow the rules imposed on all us and stay at home if possible.”

Additionally, Crosby offered, “Any and all monetary donations are always needed and welcomed, and checks can be dropped off or mailed to the address above.”

East Hampton Food Pantry
219-50 Accabonac Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
631-324-2300
easthamptonfoodpantry.org

Claude Beudert, Board Member of East Hampton Food Pantry, (and a big fan of the late Harry Chapin who did so much during his career to help end hunger), advised, “We have a steady arrangement for baked goods and bread every week, and we also shop with Island Harvest and Long Island Cares at our steady vendors. In fact, we are going to double shop tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24) and then we will be closed until April 7, and pick up again.”

“We usually have about 150 people a week, however, the number of those in need has increased since the virus. We only distribute on Tuesdays, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for pick-up at Accabonac Road. Additionally, we have a ‘satellite’ location at St. Michael’s Church in Amagansett. Tomorrow, we will have tables set up outside for necessity bag collection to enforce social distancing and allow for drive-through pick up as well,” Beudert relayed.

Beudert stressed, “Of course monetary donations are always appreciated, but food donations are always welcomed as well, including canned goods such as tuna, or pasta and pasta sauces, etc. which can be dropped off at local churches. Our volunteers are wonderful and have been really stepping up during this time.”

East Hampton (Springs) Food Pantry
The Springs Community Food Pantry
5 Old Stone Highway
East Hampton, NY 11937
631-324-4791

A recorded message relays that the food pantry is open from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday, and if you are ill and require immediate food assistance you should contact East Hampton Town Human Services at 631-329-6939.

Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry
Old Whalers’ Church
44 East Union Street
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-725-0437

Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry has introduced new service procedures to help safeguard the health of clients and volunteers. Identical bags of food will be prepared in advance, for each family. Clients will receive the bags outside of the building, at the sidewalk entrance to the church basement. Clients will be served in alphabetical order (A-B 10:00 a.m., C-H 10:30 a.m., J-O 11:00 a.m., P-R 11:15 a.m., S-Y 11:30 a.m.) on Tuesdays.

Bridgehampton Food Pantry
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church
24-63 Main Street
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
631-537-1527

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s The Little Free Pantry
977 Sag Harbor- Bridgehampton Turnpike
Bridgehampton, NY 11932

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s The Little Free Pantry is open 24/7/365. It is restocked daily and donations may be left at the church door.

Montauk Food Pantry
Mother Teresa Outreach Center Community Food Pantry
Montauk Highway (across from the school)
Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-2425

Distributes the third Tuesday of each month. Hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Next distribution would be April 21, however, call for changes or additional days/times.

St. Rosalie Parish Outreach
31 East Montauk Highway
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
631-728-9461, ext. 15

Provides food pantry to residents of East Quogue, Hampton Bays and Flanders, as well as “Help with emergency needs such as Heating, Prescription Drug expenses, Formula and Baby supplies.”

North Fork Parish Outreach
69465 Main Road
Greenport, NY 11944
631-477-6607

“Provides emergency services such as food pantry and clothing and limited furniture/appliances, temporary financial help and transportation. Coordinated effort of four parishes: St. Agnes (Greenport), St. Patrick (Southold), and Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Ostrabrama (Cutchogue).”

Financial donations are always needed at these pantries, along with food donations, so perhaps now – more than ever, it is time for all us if we can, to dig deeper in our kitchen pantries and wallets and unite. Check with each food pantry above for potential updates and/or changes. Stay safe – stay healthy!