07/29/2026
Mission: “To provide emergency assistance to Irondequoit residents with dignity, kindness and without prejudice.”
August 2026
Dear Friends,
Can you believe it is already August? Where did the time go?
This has been a very difficult time for many households, especially those with children. The increased costs of food especially, has put a strain on many of us. I am sure you have noticed the increases as well and have had to make choices in what you purchase. The cost of living in general makes it a struggle for too many households. There is a lot of food insecurity right now and the summer and other school breaks are even more difficult for too many households. Like I said last month, it is imperative that we all look out for one another.
Beef and produce are the items with the highest food increase right now which is why we offer these items. With your cash donations we can purchase ground beef and chicken, fresh produce from Western NY Produce in the public market, eggs, cheese and margarine. We also purchase household staples that we get low on including paper goods and hygiene products.
If you see our page, you have seen the amazing produce our garden is now providing to our guests. In addition to our garden we have received produce from the Cornell Co-op and a few residents that have planted an extra row or had more produce than they could use. It has been an amazing source of nutrition that we are so happy to provide.
A long time ago there was a study about health and obesity and Irondequoit was in the top 3. From then on, we decided to make sure that we had more fresh items to offer and to limit the amount of junk food or over processed foods that we provide. In addition to this we also like to try unique fresh options that many of us haven’t tried before or don’t know how to prepare it. We find a 5-ingredient recipe that uses one of those items and provide the recipe and the ingredients to make it so that our guests can try something new to see if they like it. In all of my years, I haven’t had 1 person come back and say they didn’t like it. In fact, we get many who say they loved it and thank you for turning them on to it. One of the big examples is fresh beets. When we would offer them as an option originally, they would say “no, we don’t know how to prepare them.” I would then tell them how I prepare them or find a recipe for the next time. I personally, never liked fresh beets until I tried them roasted. Kohlrabi is another example, I had never even seen it before and it IS weird looking but now I like it.
As always, we thank you for your kindness and generosity and I hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer😊
Sincerely,
Debbie Evans
Here is our current Top 10 List:
Cereal (especially kid cereal like cinnamon toast crunch, frosted flakes, honey nut cheerios)
Mayonnaise and ketchup
Macaroni and cheese
Flavored rice and pasta side dishes
Spaghetti
Tomato sauce
Ready to serve chicken noodle soup
Kid snacks
Powder drink mixes for summer months
All-purpose cleaner WITHOUT bleach
We do NOT need ANY CAT food at this time.
We do NOT need any boost or ensure
We do NOT need any adult incontinence items
Thank you so much to the following friends and neighbors:
The Vineyard Church for their MANY years of friendship and generosity for allowing us to use their land for our garden
Everyone who is helping at the Irondequoit Garden
Thank you to our anonymous donors
Bonnie Arnold
Transfiguration Lutheran Church
Don and Nancy
Catherine Rene
Richard Stiehler
Pat
Jackie Fox
Mr Mooney
Toby Berke
Those who donated at the Garden Walk
Living Water Church
Transfiguration Lutheran Church
Dake Student Council
The Sandoris Circle Ice Cream Truck and Neighborhood Social
Dave
Master Kim Taekwondo
Susan and Mary Kaye
The Neighborhood Housing Restoration
Mr and Mrs Dunn in honor of W Humphrey
Sarah Circle from the Summerville Presbyterian Church
Mr and Mrs Ross in honor of Debby and Craig Merrits’ 50th Anniversary
Nicole Dube
Robert Ross
Mr and Mrs Marsh
John Herbrand
Mr and Mrs Dengal
Mr and Mrs Thiell
Mr and Mrs Bissinger
Faith Keeley
M Valerio
Blackbaud Funding
Michelle Seipp
Jamie Brinkman
Linda Bagdon
Lakeside Deli
Barbara West
Nancy Schreiber
Doug Sangster
Mary Boehm
Amy Jackson
Luke Gabello
Amy Gilbert
Kim Kane
J Paul Waters
Paypal Giving Fund
Matthew Barber
Marlene Caccamise
Mr and Mrs Gabello
Cheryl Soanes
Diane Hamilton
Lynn and Denise Bluett in honor of Debby and Craig Merritts’ 50th Anniversary
Phyliss Stohler
Mr and Mrs Mills
Mr and Mrs Hortop
Irondequoit United Church of Christ Outreach Program
Again, thank you all so much!
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