A way to give: Food insecurity and gratitude

The following article was submitted by Alex Edwards-Bourdrez, Northport-East Northport Ecumenical Lay Council pantry co-manager.

Within walking distance of just about every resident in our local area there are people facing food-insecurity or other crises that we as a community can – and do – alleviate.

On behalf of the more than 200 families we serve, the Northport-East Northport Ecumenical Lay Council (ELC) food pantry expresses its deep gratitude to those individuals, businesses, and civic and religious organizations that have helped keep the pantry shelves stocked during recent and ongoing economic challenges we are all facing. Since its founding 50 years ago, the ELC has been a conduit for our community’s generosity, which we never take for granted.

Summer has settled in, and our clients with school-age children are feeling the added pinch that the lack of school lunches causes. At the same time, rising prices are putting a squeeze on donations from our regular supporters, just as the economy is making it all the more difficult for all of our clients to put enough food on the table.

In addition to thanking the pantry’s many donors, I am writing to encourage others to join them in this community-wide outreach to our neighbors.

The ELC food pantry, a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency of Long Island Cares, is located on the bottom floor of the First Presbyterian Church at 330 Main Street, Northport. Donations of non-perishable food and larger-size diapers can be dropped off in the box just outside the pantry along the side of the church driveway. Monetary donations are always very helpful, of course, and checks made out to ELC Food Pantry can be sent to the ELC at Box 675, Northport, NY 11768, or to the church address above.

Thank you.