When the pandemic began, our schools had a ton of food and no students to eat it. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County suggested the food be dropped off at St. John Street School Community HUB in Monticello and partnered with Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) to deliver over 54 coolers of food. Lack of food and resources continued to be an issue, community-wide. In partnership with CCE, SALT called on its neighbors and started working with food banks, the Sullivan County Government Emergency Community Assistance Center, and many individuals that became leaders in this program, distributing food throughout Sullivan County.

When this food distribution effort started, the mission was to feed hungry people and provide access to nutrition. As the months have passed, it became obvious that this developing network provides an opportunity for isolated individuals to connect to one another, as leaders in our communities. Those who feel voiceless are able to develop a voice as they listen to their neighbors. Those who have felt hopeless are liberated by hope.

SALT and CCE’s Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard needs your support to continue its food distribution efforts. We’ve listened to our neighbors and they need support through the winter. We have acquired a truck through Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County. We now need weekly food and gas funds to maintain consistent delivery until spring. We have a team of volunteers delivering food, preparing the produce and dry goods, and helping to organize public relations and fundraising efforts. Every dollar you give is at least DOUBLED by donations of fresh produce from local farms and meals prepared by The Callicoon Pantry — not one donation dollar has been spent on administrative costs.

We love our neighbors. Many of us are feeling the stress of these times. If we all lean in, we can all find support.
Food is one of the foundations of feeling safe. Food is home. Food is family. We have all brought food and family to each other during this pandemic and that is bringing hope.

With your donations we have been able to keep hope alive in our hearts – hope for the moment and hope for the future.

Sullivan Fresh Community Cupboard: “Together we are Better.”

For information about becoming a partner and accessing our food program, please click here to view our flyer (PDF).