(Photo: Sunnyside Community Services)
Jan. 14, 2021 By Christina Santucci
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) has launched a food drive for its two pop-up pantries in western Queens.
The food drive is taking place this month and organizers hope to continue the collection through February.
Each week between 400 to 500 families receive groceries from the pantries, which are located in Sunnyside and Woodside, according to SCS.
“The neighborhoods we serve have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Judy Zangwill, the executive director of SCS.
Since the pandemic struck in March, SCS has been distributing food and has given out more than 14,000 packages of food to residents in need.
“But there is still so much need and we are asking for the community’s help. Please, if you can afford to do so, donate some food items for our pantry. Even just one or two items would make a big difference for someone who is struggling,” Zangwill says.
The organizers seek, among other items, canned vegetables, pasta, flour, baking powder, rice, peanut butter, canned or cartons of soup, jars of tomato sauce, cereal, oatmeal, vegetable oil, shelf-stable milk and granola bars. Cornbread, cornmeal and dry or canned lentils and beans will also be accepted.
Donations of non-perishable items can be dropped off at Sunnyside Community Services, located at 43-31 39th Street, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
People are also encouraged to donate food items through SCS’ Amazon wishlist. The food will be shipped directly to SCS.
The public is also able to make a monetary donation online by clicking here. For more information or to schedule a drop-off at a different time, email mbova@scsny.org or call 929-335-7800.
