"I have people calling me who say they are very embarrassed because they were always ones to donate to the Food Pantry and now they want to know how they can become clients of the food pantry."Byrnes says anyone who can show they live in East Hampton is eligible for food - no questions are asked. But the increased need has meant a budget squeeze for the pantry.
'My last delivery was $3700. and we had reduced it, we didn't buy as much produce. We are giving a choice of one fruit and and one vegeable where before we were giving two fruits and two vegetables because w'ere running out of money."
She says appeals for funds in the weekly East Hampton Star have helped but more is needed.
Donations can be sent to the
East Hampton Food Pantry
P.O. Box 505,
East Hampton NY 11937,
or call the pantry to volunteer at 631-324- 3025.
Other food pantries in the area and throughout Long Island are stressed by increased demand
including the pantries in Springs and Sag Harbor.
An open mike poetry reading to benefit the Sag Harbor Food Pantry will be held
on Saturday April 4 at 6 p.m.
"Buddy, Can you spare a poem?" an open mike reading of poems for the new economy - plus food drive - will be held at Canio's Books, 290 Main Street in Sag Harbor. Read a poem about facing uncertainty and bring a donation for our local food pantry.
Poets can register by calling 631-725-4926. Others are invited to come, listen and contribute.
The Sag Harbor Food Pantry is at Christ Episcopal Church, East Union Street and Rte. 114.
A food pantry is operated by the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center at 551 Bridgehampton - Sag Harbor Turnpike
Call the Center at 631-537-0616
Other Food Pantries -
Montauk - Food Pantry at St. Therese R.C. Church
Springs - Food Pantry at Springs Presbyterian Church - Springs Fireplace Road
Southampton Village: Human Resources - R.C. Church at Hill St.
Hampton Bays - Food Pantry at St. Rosalies Church - East Montauk Highway
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Adapted from a report prepared for WPKN News heard Monday-Friday at 6:30pm following
Free Speech Radio News at 88.7 WPKM Montauk and 89.5 WPKN Bridgeport
and www.wpkn.org
WPKN / WPKM are now in their Spring Fund Raising period. Call 203 - 384 - 9756 to pledge your support for community - free speech radio - or go to www.wpkn.org, donate and get a beach blanket or a copy of "Sag Harbor Is: A literary celebration".
