Marshall Miles Foundation For Community Health Interviews-Danny Hutnick: Licensed Master Social Worker and Comida de Vida/Food For Life Pantry

Pantry Mission Statement and Philosophy:

We provide fresh, nutritious food weekly for our neighbors in need, including vegetables grown in the on-site “Giving Garden”; and we offer information and referrals for a long-term improvement in their lives and health.  It is our core value that all who come to the pantry find a cheerful, encouraging atmosphere where they are treated with respect: we believe having a full stomach and sense of dignity is crucial to an individual’s ability to begin making positive changes in their lives.

We serve the hungry population in eastern Dutchess County and northwest Litchfield County, especially the towns of Amenia, Wassaic, Millerton, Dover Plains, and Sharon. In some cases, recipients travel even greater distances looking for help that is not available closer to home. Some come from families who have lived in this area for generations; about 40% are new immigrants. Nearly half of those we serve are children for whom lack of nutritious food can have devastating consequences, including stunted growth, learning disabilities, increased health risks, and behavioral issues.

Most are members of the “working poor,” for whom one emergency — illness, car trouble, temporary job loss — can swamp the budget and send them into crisis, with not enough money for food.

For information on the food pantry,

Contact AJ Stack, Pantry Executive director: 845-373-9161

Email: [email protected]

We need Volunteers for our weekly food pantry!  If you can help please fill out the the form in the link below and we will contact you asap!  Thank you for helping us serve our community!  We are doing our best to keep the food pantry open through this crisis.

VOLUNTEER