The Cortlandt Emergency Food Bank is a community-based food pantry located in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and serving people throughout the town of Cortlandt. The food bank was founded in 1983 and is run by a volunteer board and more than 50 volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
We are a community-based food pantry located in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, and serving clients throughout the town of Cortlandt. Th e food bank was founded in 1983 and is currently run by a volunteer board and more than 50 regular volunteers.
What is our mission?
To work to alleviate hunger in the town of Cortlandt among families and individuals whose income is insufficient for their needs. Th is is done through the distribution of free food and incidental supplies .
Where is the food bank located?
It is located in the basement of Asbury Church at 19 Old Post Road South in Croton.
What do we do?
Every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon we operate our food pantry, giving about 3–4 days worth of nutritionally balanced meals to clients .
Where do the clients come fr om?
The food bank serves the entire town of Cortlandt, which includes Croton, Montrose, Buchanan, Verplanck, Peekskill and Cortlandt Manor. While there are other pantries and soup kitchens that serve the same area, they may operate on diff erent schedules. Per our bylaws, we do not, as a rule, serve residents of other towns .
How many people do we serve?
We are currently serving an average of 380 clients a month. Utilization fluctuates by season. It’s highest in November–March when seasonal work is less available, and lower in the summer months.
How do clients qualify for food?
Per the regulations of the Food Bank for Westchester, Inc., the agency that supplies the bulk of the food, we require clients to get a referral from a source that can certify the need. These are clinics and other health professionals, clergy, social workers, school personnel, and counselors. Referrals are renewed every 6 months .
How oft en may clients receive food?
Clients are served once per calendar month. We are a source of “emergency” not regular food.
Where does the food come from?
Th e food comes primarily from the Food Bank for Westchester, Inc., a redistribution agency. In addition, we receive substantial regular donations from many local religious, educational, and civic organizations, as well as a large number of individuals. In the summer we get fresh produce from the Migliorelli Farm at the Croton Greenmarket, Holy Name of Mary R .C. Church, and the Village of Croton Garden. Every Thanksgiving, Croton Rotary donates more than 100 turkeys. We receive an ongoing donation of bagels from Bagels on Hudson as well.
Where does the money come from?
We receive an annual grant from the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger. We also receive grants from federal, state, and county governments. Our third source of income is cash donations from individuals and organizations throughout the community.
What is the best way to make a donation to the Food Bank?
Tax-deductible donations can be sent via check to Cortlandt Emergency Food Bank, 19 Old Post Road South, Croton-on-Hudson, New York, 10520. Food donations can be dropped off at the Food Bank during its hours of operation on Saturday mornings between 10 am and 12 noon.
Are we tax-exempt?
Yes. We are incorporated in New York as a not-for-pro fit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are also tax-exempt in New York State. Donations qualify as tax-deductions for income tax. Our EIN is: 71-1052645.
Where does our money go?
Over 90% of our income pays for food. Small amounts are for rent to Asbury, insurance, bank and other fees, and toys for Christmas.
What is our relationship with Asbury Church?
Th e Food Bank was founded in 1983 by the then-pastor, Rev. Sandra Myers, other members of the church who had the previous year started the Chapin Run, as well as a number of individuals not affi liated with the church. Although some of the present volunteers are members of Asbury, many are not. We later established our separate incorporation and tax status. We pay a small rent to Asbury (money from a NYS grant) to help defray building and maintenance costs.
Who runs the Food Bank?
All the volunteers do. There is also a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of: Shirley Gillis, co-President; Susan Franco, co-President and Treasurer ; Joan MacDonald, Secretary; Maria Rykowski, Director of Finance and Director of Inventory; Janet Kraybill, Director of Volunteers and Scheduling; and Jordy Bell, Director of Grants and Client Database Statistics.
To work to alleviate hunger in the town of Cortlandt among families and individuals whose income is insufficient for their needs. This is is done through the distribution of free food and incidental supplies .
