Catskill Food Pantry

06/12/2026

Good morning, neighbors!

Farm season is finally here!!! We know it’s ridiculously hot, and nobody wants to wait on line – but we promise to make it worth the trip today.

Our Fresh Produce of the Week is…STRAWBERRIES! The strawberry we’re most familiar with originated in Europe in the 18th century and is a hybrid of two wild strawberry species from North America and Chile. These juicy and sweet heart-shaped berries are very rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, beneficial for heart health and blood sugar control. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese as well as folate (vitamin B9) and potassium; they’re a good source of dietary fiber, are low in calories and have a low glycemic index, which make them safe for people with diabetes. Usually consumed raw and fresh, strawberries can also be used in a variety of jams, jellies, and desserts. They make a delicious, healthy snack all on their own, but also taste great in salads, as part of your favorite breakfast recipes, or as part of a healthy dessert.

On our produce table today we’ve got strawberries galore – plus pineapples, canteloupes and pears, along with red and green leaf lettuce and other garden greens, zucchini and yellow squash, tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, white potatoes and yams!

We offer a choice of meats, heat-and-eat foods, deli and dairy, bakery items, and staple items, including some vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Today’s pantry is provided by the Regional Food Bank in Latham, Goodies Bagels in Catskill, Athens Community Farm, and our food rescue partner, , with ongoing support from Youth Clubhouse of Columbia-Greene Counties, Feed HV, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Catskill and our dedicated team of volunteers.

For anyone coming for the first time (or anyone needing a reminder):
• PLEASE arrive NO EARLIER than 11am.
• We start giving out numbers at Noon, and pantry shopping starts at 1pm.
• Please be thoughtful of others! We’re all going through it right now, and there’s only so much to go around.
• Don't be shy: If you need assistance, just ask! (Our volunteers are here to help carry bags, offer suggestions and answer any questions about food items or pantry policy.)
• BRING YOUR OWN SHOPPING BAGS.

We look forward to your visit!

06/12/2026

06/05/2026

Good morning, neighbors!

Please read and share this IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR PANTRY GUESTS: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ey954xQMp/

Our Fresh Produce of the Week is…CARROTS!!! These crunchy, sweet root vegetables are found in many colors, including yellow, white, orange, red, and purple. Carrots are a particularly good source of beta-carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A), fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants – plus, they’re low in calories. Eating carrots may support eye health, help lower blood cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Carrots are a versatile and healthy addition to many dishes, often roasted with other root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, and beets for a flavorful side. They can be prepared in numerous ways, from soups to salads, though roasting brings out their natural sugars.

Along with carrots today we’ve got potatoes and pears – a strange but healthy trio! We’ve got a choice of meats and a nice selection of dairy products, breads, desserts, plus our usual selection of dry goods, baby care and personal supplies – something for everyone!

Today’s pantry is provided by the Regional Food Bank in Latham, Goodies Bagels in Catskill, and End of The Lane Farm in Cornwallville. Thanks to Youth Clubhouse of Columbia-Greene Counties, Feed HV and St. Luke’s Episcopal St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Catskill for ongoing partner support – and to our team of truly amazing volunteers.

PLEASE NOTE: People have been arriving earlier and earlier lately, and once again, the church – our very generous host – has asked that our shoppers arrive NO EARLIER THAN 11:00 AM. We will open the door at 12 Noon to distribute numbers, and as always, shopping begins at 1:00 PM. And PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAGS.

We look forward to your visit!

06/05/2026

UN MENSAJE IMPORTANTE DE LA CATSKILL FOOD PANTRY A TODOS NUESTROS CLIENTES:

ATRAVESAMOS UN MOMENTO DE CRISIS ALIMENTARIA. Debido a los recortes masivos en la financiación federal destinada a los bancos de alimentos y a los programas de asistencia alimentaria – así como a las granjas que cultivan los alimentos para dichos programas – habrá menos comida disponible para compartir con nuestra comunidad. Además, ahora pagamos más por alimentos que anteriormente estaban subvencionados por programas federales y estatales, y que teníamos a nuestra disposición de forma gratuita o a un costo muy bajo.

Al mismo tiempo, cada semana recibimos a más clientes nuevos, ya que el SNAP y otros beneficios se están reduciendo para muchas personas en nuestra comunidad, mientras que los precios de los alimentos en las tiendas siguen subiendo.

No sabemos cuánto tiempo durará esto ni cuánto tiempo podremos mantener nuestras puertas abiertas, pero seguiremos haciendo todo lo posible para garantizar que todos nuestros clientes tengan acceso a la calidad y variedad de alimentos que están acostumbrados a recibir cuando vienen a la Catskill Food Pantry.

EN EL ADELANTE, haremos algunos pequeños cambios en nuestra política, al menos por el momento. Esperamos que esto nos ayude a todos a capear la tormenta juntos:

1. LIMITAREMOS LAS CANTIDADES DE CIERTOS ALIMENTOS que son más caros o menos accesibles – como carnes, lácteos y ciertos productos enlatados y envasados. Nuestros voluntarios están disponibles para responder cualquier pregunta sobre las cantidades.

2. Ya no podemos permitir compras para otras personas. LOS CLIENTES SOLO PODRÁN COMPRAR PARA SU PROPIA CASA. Entendemos que esto pondrá en una situación difícil a algunos familiares y amigos, y será un inconveniente o dificultad para quienes no puedan ir a la despensa. Solo podemos animar a la gente a que busque la manera de venir en persona a hacer sus propias compras.

Va a ser un camino difícil. Probemos estos dos cambios a ver qué tal funcionan; eso es prácticamente todo lo que podemos hacer, sin tomar medidas más drásticas ni cerrar nuestras puertas.

Para nosotros no son decisiones fáciles y les agradecemos su comprensión y su solidaridad.

06/05/2026

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE CATSKILL FOOD PANTRY TO ALL OF OUR GUESTS:

WE ARE IN A TIME OF FOOD CRISIS. Due to massive cuts in federal funding for food banks and food assistance programs, as well as for farms that grow the food for these programs, there will be less food available for us to share with our community. We also now pay more for food that was previously subsidized by federal and state programs, and available to us for free or very low cost.

At the same time, we’re accommodating more new guests every week, as SNAP and other benefits are being pulled back for many folks in our community, while food prices in the stores keep going up.

We don’t know how long this will continue, or how long we can afford to keep our doors open, but we’ll keep doing everything in our power to ensure that all of our guests have access to the quality and variety of foods you’re used to receiving when you shop at Catskill Food Pantry.

GOING FORWARD, we’ll be making some small changes to our policy, at least for the time being. We hope this will help us all weather the storm together:

1. We will be LIMITING QUANTITIES ON CERTAIN FOOD ITEMS that are more expensive or less available to us – such as meats and dairy, and certain canned and packaged goods. Our volunteers are on hand to assist with any questions regarding quantities.

2. We can no longer allow shopping for other people. GUESTS MAY ONLY SHOP FOR THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLD. We understand that this will put some family members and friends in a difficult position, and will be an inconvenience or hardship for those who can’t make it to the pantry. We can only encourage people to find a way to come in person to do their own shopping.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Let’s try these two changes and see how they work out – that’s pretty much all we can do, without taking more drastic measures or closing our doors.

These are not easy decisions for us, and we thank you for your understanding and solidarity.

05/29/2026

Good morning, neighbors!

The summer season is finally here, and so is the growing season! You can expect to find some of the freshest locally-grown produce right here at Catskill Food Pantry throughout the coming months.

Our Fresh Produce of the Week: Suntan Peppers! Mixed peppers, also referred to as “Suntan” peppers, are sweet, multi-colored bell peppers harvested mid-transition as they change color from green to their fully ripe stage. Most popular in the Northeast and Texas, suntan peppers are favored for their crunchy texture and sweet, complex flavor. They make a fun replacement for regular bell peppers and add a splash of color to stir-fries, salads, fajitas, and stuffed dishes.

Along with fresh peppers, our produce table today offers a selection of leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, eggplants and other vegetables, as well as pineapples, melons and clementines. We’ve got a variety of meats, dairy products, breads, desserts, and our usual selection of dry goods, plus baby and personal supplies – something for everyone!

Today’s pantry is provided by the Regional Food Bank in Latham, Goodies Bagels in Catskill, and SUNY New Paltz Dining Services. Thanks to Youth Clubhouse of Columbia-Greene Counties, Feed HV, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church Catskill for ongoing partner support – and to our team of truly amazing .

VERY IMPORTANT: Some folks have been arriving earlier and earlier lately, and once again, the church – our very generous host – has asked that our shoppers arrive NO EARLIER THAN 11:00 AM. We will open the door at 12 Noon to distribute numbers, and as always, shopping begins at 1:00 PM.

And one more quick reminder: These are difficult times and many of us are struggling. While you're shopping at the pantry, please be thoughtful and take only what your household needs for the week ahead. And please remember to bring your own bags!!!

We look forward to your visit!

05/27/2026

A federal judge just handed down one of the harshest sentences in the history of COVID pandemic fraud. Aimee Bock, the founder and executive director of a Minnesota nonprofit called Feeding Our Future, was sentenced to nearly 42 years in federal prison for masterminding a scheme that stole $250 million from a government food program designed to feed hungry children during the pandemic.

Bock's operation exploited the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs, which were expanded during COVID to feed low-income kids when schools closed. Instead of feeding children, Bock and her co-conspirators submitted fraudulent claims for millions of meals that were never served, pocketing the money through a web of shell companies and fake vendor invoices. The Department of Justice called it the single largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in American history.

More than 70 people have been charged in connection with the scheme, and dozens have already pleaded guilty or been convicted. Prosecutors presented evidence that Bock and her network fabricated meal counts on a massive scale, falsely claiming to be feeding hundreds of thousands of children at sites that were often little more than vacant lots or homes. The money went to luxury cars, real estate, and overseas transfers.

Bock faced up to 20 years on each of the multiple fraud and money laundering counts she was convicted of. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel sentenced her to 41 years and 8 months — a term that effectively means she will spend the rest of her life in prison. Prosecutors had argued for a maximum sentence, pointing to the scale of the fraud, the fact that it targeted a program meant to help vulnerable children, and evidence that Bock showed no remorse.

The case has drawn national attention as one of the most egregious examples of pandemic relief fraud in American history. For the children the program was supposed to feed — and the taxpayers who funded it — the sentence sends a clear message: stealing from the most vulnerable won't just cost you money. It'll cost you your freedom.

https://yourdailyupdates.news/minnesota-nonprofit-leader-42-years-covid-food-fraud/

05/22/2026

Good morning, neighbors!

Here at the Catskill Food Pantry we’re doing everything we can to keep up with the level of need in our community. Some Fridays are more abundant than others, but nobody walks away without enough food to get themselves and their families through from week to week.

We offer a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of meats, dairy products, breads, desserts, beverages, condiments and non-perishable items, plus baby and personal supplies – something for everyone!

Today’s pantry is provided by the Regional Food Bank in Latham, Goodies Bagels in Catskill, in Hudson, and our newest food rescue partner, . Thanks to Youth Clubhouse of Columbia-Greene Counties, Feed HV, and St. Luke’s Episcopal St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Catskill for ongoing partner support – and to our truly amazing .

As always, a quick reminder to our shoppers: Please think of others and take only what your household needs for the week ahead… and bring your own bags if you can.

We look forward to your visit!

05/15/2026

Happy Friday, good people!

Is it really mid-May already?!?!? The farming season has begun and we look forward to supporting local agriculture and serving fresh, local vegetables and fruits to our pantry guests very soon.

Our fresh produce table today offers a selection of leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, apples and pears, and more. We’ve got a variety of meats, dairy products, breads, desserts, and our usual selection of dry goods, plus baby and personal supplies – something for everyone!

Today’s pantry is provided by the Regional Food Bank in Latham, Goodies Bagels in Catskill, in Hudson, and our new food rescue partner, . Thanks to Youth Clubhouse of Columbia-Greene Counties, Feed HV, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church Catskill for ongoing partner support – and to our spectacular .

As always, a quick reminder to our shoppers: Please think of others and take only what your household needs for the week ahead… and bring your own bags if you can.

We look forward to your visit!