Frequently Asked Questions
What items are most needed?
Non-perishable foods, such as canned vegetables and beans, canned soup, pasta, pasta sauce, one- or two-pound bags of rice, peanut butter and jelly, and breakfast cereals are always in high demand. Toiletries (toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap) are always needed, as well.
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How can I make a donation of food or other items?
You can bring your donation to the pantry at 330 Main St., Northport, NY, during operating hours (Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.), or drop them in the donation box outside the front door of the pantry anytime.
How can I make a monetary donation?
There are various convenient ways. You can donate online through this link. If you prefer to write a check, make it payable to "ELC Food Pantry" and mail it to ELC Food Pantry, P.O. Box 675, Northport, NY 11768. You can always bring cash, a check, or supermarket gift cards directly to the pantry at 330 Main St., Northport, NY, during operating hours. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated, as they allow us to keep essential items stocked.
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Are donation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Ecumenical Lay Council of Northport-East Northport is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Where is the pantry located?
The pantry is located on the bottom level of First Presbyterian Church at 330 Main Street in Northport, NY. The pantry sign and entrance are on the left as you enter the church's driveway from Main Street.
When is the pantry open?
The pantry operates four days each week (Monday through Thursday) from 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. all year round, with the the exception of national holidays, four days around Christmas, and days when public schools are closed due to weather.
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How many people does the food pantry serve?
Approximately 150 families each month access food and other items. That translates to about 600 people! Most families pick up food once each week.
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Who can pick up food from the pantry and how often?
Eligible individuals and families living in Northport, East Northport, Greenlawn, or Centerport can come once each week and "shop" (the pantry is set up like a grocery store). Those whose income is at or below the poverty line or who receive public assistance are eligible. Call the pantry at (631) 261-4357 with any questions.
What documentation is needed?
Clients must have identification that shows name and local address (see above for the areas we serve). Acceptable forms of ID are an unexpired driver's license, a current utility bill or credit card bill, and a current lease agreement (or a signed letter from a landlord). We do not check clients' finances.
How is the pantry funded?
We operate almost exclusively with donated funds, food, toiletries, and other necessities. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The food pantry is a mission of the Ecumenical Lay Council of Northport-East Northport, a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. As an agency of Long Island Cares, Inc. (the Harry Chapin food bank), we receive a limited amount of grant money to use for purchases from LI Cares.
Who manages and staffs the food pantry?
The food pantry is staffed and managed exclusively by volunteers. There are four members of the management team, and each is responsible for overseeing one of the day's operations and supervising a team of four or five volunteers. The pantry's policies and finances are overseen by the officers of the ELC's Executive Committee.