How to Help Those in Need of Food
Many members of our community struggle with food insecurity, and it is often a private challenge. With SNAP benefits paused, our local food pantries are seeing a significant increase in need and many new participants. One pantry stated “we have seen double the participants in the last few weeks and expect to see more.” At the same time, many community members have been reaching out to the Town, to their churches, to their community organizations, and on social media wondering how they can help.
Here is a list of our Food Pantries and Programs throughout Bethlehem and their current needs. Remember all of these programs are Volunteer run – if you have a few hours and can support that way, it is tremendously helpful. Also donations of food, toiletries, gift cards, and money keep these programs running and meeting the needs of others. Thank you Bethlehem for all you do for one another!
Bethlehem Food Pantry Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar – has food as well as personal care products and toiletries, by appointment 518-439-4955 x1169, Mon/Fri 1-3 and W 9-11
- NEEDS: gift cards to grocery stores in $25, $50, and $100 denominations
- Food donation boxes are at Bethlehem YMCA, Delmar Marketplace, Bethlehem library, and outside of the Senior Services offices at Town Hall.
- HOTLINE 518-439-4955 x2023 – this new hotline will list current needs and ways to help, also leave a message with questions or needs for a call back
Little Free Pantry at Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar – has some food items at all hours, access at your convenience – run by the Girl Scouts
- NEEDS: any non-perishables, quick grab foods
St Thomas the Apostle Church – shares gift cards with those in need
- NEEDS: gift cards for grocery stores
- Parking lot food cabinet is for composting (not a free food pantry)!
Shalom Food Pantry, Bethlehem Chabad 393 Delaware Ave, Delmar – Kosher Food Pantry – primarily delivery on every other Monday, also a grab and go those same Mondays – Call 518-439-3310 or go to website
- NEEDS: donations of Kosher Food or monetary donations, call 518-439-3310 to coordinate
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Food Cupboard, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar – food for anyone in need come any time during business hours M-F 9-3, taking sign-ups now for Thanksgiving baskets
- NEEDS: non-perishable Thanksgiving sides, toiletries
First Reformed Church of Bethlehem – Venture Food Pantry, 38 Church Rd Selkirk – Open on Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 and 5:00-7:00 walk-in support
- NEEDS: any non-perishable foods, especially canned proteins, soups, 100% juice, shampoo/conditioner, monetary donations and volunteers. Call Donna 518-312-3242
Patty’s Place, Bethlehem Grange #137, 24 Bridge St, Selkirk – open Wednesdays 4-6
- NEEDS: “We take anything and everything” – including monetary donations, there is a drop box for ease of delivery
Life For the Nations Church Food Pantry – 477 Krumkill Rd, North Bethlehem – food pantry accessible Mon-Fri 9-3, call 518-438-3841
- NEEDS: financial donations can be provided on the church’s website
Bethlehem Central Schools– Free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income level, no qualification needed. Weekend Backpack Program: Sends food home via a backpack during weekends and school breaks. If you want your student to participate contact your school nurse.
- Food donations can be dropped off at the high school during the day, for monetary donations contact AG Irons at airons@bethlehemschools.org
Ravena Coeymans Schools – Free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income level, no qualification needed. Weekend Backpack Program: currently at capacity, but if your student needs support reach out to Doug Porter, food services director dporter@rcscsd.org
BoyScouts Food Drive – Nov 1 – Nov 8, watch for flyers, pick up throughout town right at your door
Information provided by Brianne Conner, Senior Economic Developer for the Town of Bethlehem