The Pine Bush Food Pantry, Inc. is open to all residents of the Pine Bush Central School District community. It is located at Pine Bush High School, 118 State Route 302, Pine Bush.
Our History
Our Pine Bush Food Pantry is a 501( c ) (3) not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from individuals and organizations as well as purchases food from the Regional Food Bank, and distributes it to members of the Pine Bush Central School District community.
The pantry opened in November 2002 thanks to the collaboration of high school staff and parent/community member Raven Atria. Both parties recognized the growing problem of food insecurity in the Pine Bush district, and sought to alleviate some of the pressures families were facing.
Our Mission
The Pine Bush Food Pantry is a collaborative group of volunteers committed to providing food to any individuals living within the Pine Bush Central School District. We believe food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone.
All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
For Those In Need
For community members in need, please email food.pantry@pinebushschools.org to schedule a time to come in to pick up food. Please be patient if we don’t respond immediately – we will indeed respond!
For families with students in our schools, you may also reach out to your child’s school social worker who can assist with pick-up information.
For Those Who Wish To Donate
In addition to accepting fresh and non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products, our pantry also welcomes financial donations and gift cards. Monetary contributions enable us to purchase items that are most needed at any given time. Additionally, food purchased through the Regional Food Bank is available at a significantly reduced cost compared to retail pricing, allowing us to maximize the impact of each donation.
When donating food items, please ensure they are not expired, as we are unable to distribute expired products.
To arrange a drop-off time for food, monetary, or gift card donations, please contact Kathryn Carson-Decker at food.pantry@pinebushschools.org.
Donate to the Regional Food Bank In Pine Bush Food Pantry Name
Donors may also donate directly to the Regional Food Bank in our name. This is where most of our protein and frozen vegetables are purchased.
Click here to donate to the Regional Food Bank. Select Adopt-A-Program in the drop down menu under “What would you like your donation to support,” then specify Pine Bush High School Food Pantry in the “Leave A Comment” box below.
Our Most Needed Items
At the current time, our pantry is most in need of the following:
- Protein – gift cards will allow us to buy what is needed
- Pasta
- Tomato Sauce
- Spices, including salt and pepper
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about the Pine Bush Food Pantry, Inc. or to ask a question not listed below, please email food.pantry@pinebushschools.org.
What is the difference between a food bank, food pantry, and soup kitchen?
A food bank solicits, stores, and distributes large donations of food, donations that a single food pantry could not accept because of a lack of storage capacity at their facility. Food banks distribute the donations they receive to a large number of partner agencies, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, meal programs, school programs, and senior care centers.
A food pantry, like ours here at PBHS, provides food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals.
Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal. Most soup kitchens serve a full, balanced meal, and some prepare and deliver meals to the homebound, as well.
What type of food is donated to the pantry?
Most food donations are non-perishables, including pasta, sauces, soup, cereal, canned vegetables, canned fish and chicken. The donations come from individuals as well as local businesses, organizations and companies that run food drives to benefit our pantry. In addition, our pantry uses monetary donations to purchase protein and frozen vegetables from the Regional Food Bank at a substantial discount than if purchased at a retail establishment.
Are non-food item donations accepted and distributed by the pantry?
Yes! Personal hygiene items are very much in need. They are often the first items people in need go without. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner are always needed at the pantry.
In addition, people using SNAP benefits (food stamps) may only use them for food. SNAP does not cover essentials such as soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene items which make these items very much in-demand at the pantry.
Where are other food resources in our area?
Click here for a list of food pantries in the area.
Can a small monetary donation make a difference?
Absolutely! Every donation, large or small, has an impact. Our purchasing power through the Regional Food Bank multiplies every monetary donation. We truly appreciate every donation we receive.
What is your tax ID number?
EIN 39-4479420