St. Edward Food Pantry
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Sister Vincent Marie and a customer share a joke |
The St. Edward Food Pantry is one of the ministries of The Franciscan Handmaids of Mary. Since our arrival on Staten Island in 1928, we have operated a food pantry. As followers of St. Francis, we have always been committed to minister to the needy and the oppressed.
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For emergencies at other times, call us at 718-984-1625 or email us at stedwardfoodpantry at hotmail.com.
Jesus said "For I was hungry and you fed me"
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| Staten Island Foundation |
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| Human Resources Administration |
The original pantry was in the convent, but it relocated across the street to Camp St. Edward in 1953, where it remained until the camp closed in 2003.
As of July of 2004, the St. Edward Food Pantry operates out of its location on the grounds of Mount Loretto. Food is stored in two large trailers that were blessed and dedicated in September 2005 in memory of Pope John Paul II; Mother Agnes Eugenia, a former Superior of the Handmaids; and John Bruno, a Staten Island Advance employee who was friend and benefactor to the Sisters. The administrative offices are located on the grounds of Mount Loretto.
In the early years, the pantry was opened only when needed, expanding its hours as more people came in need of food. Today, to meet the ever increasing needs of the Staten Island community, the St. Edward Food Pantry is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Emergency needs are addressed on an individual basis. All in need, including the homebound, working poor, and disabled, are served. For information, assistance and travel directions, go to Contact Us.
Christmas Distributions
Continuing the tradition begun by Camp St. Edward, the Food Pantry collects food, clothing, gifts and toys for distribution during the Christmas season.
Supporters
Annual grant support is received from: the Franciscan Handmaids of Mary, Feeding America, United Way of New York City, the Food Bank for New York, City Harvest, Robin Hood Foundation, New York Community Trust Foundation, Staten Island Foundation, the Notre Dame Club's Annual Bread of Life Drive, and the New York City Human Resources Administration.
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Maureen Tegano and the shelves of food |
Support is also received from private donors and annual fundraising events, such as our “Walk to Help Feed Others,” begun in 2008. These grants and donations provide the funds to purchase meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, and frozen, packaged, and canned goods for distribution to Staten Island’s needy.
The St. Edward Food Pantry receives contributions of non-perishable foods from the local parishes and groups who share in the mission of serving those in need. It is through their outreach that we are able to supplement and sustain our purchased food supplies.
Volunteers from across Staten Island help out at the Food Pantry. They serve the clients with kindness and respect. Volunteers are also responsible for distributing food to the homebound.
A new initiative was begun in 2009 by a group of dedicated volunteers. A large garden growing organic produce is maintained on the grounds of Mt. Loretto for distribution to those in need.
In recognition of our outstanding accomplishments in the fight against hunger, the St. Edward Food Pantry was awarded the Kathy Goldman Beyond Food Award at the 15th Annual Food Bank of New York Conference in 2006. The award included a $500 check. Kathy Goldman is a community activist in the fight against hunger and founder of the New York Food Bank.
If you wish to volunteer or donate to St. Edward Food Pantry, please contact us.