Building community, one meal at a time

Monroe - If you were searching for a definition of what a community is, the Monroe Food Pantry would be a good place to start. Located at the Monroe United Methodist Church, the pantry was established in 1988 as the Community Emergency Food Pantry by a group of volunteers who made a commitment not to tolerate hunger among friends and neighbors. Today, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops conduct food drives for the pantry and volunteer their time. It’s also supported by community groups such as Rotary, the Lion’s Club, veterans’ organizations, the local police and the generosity of individuals. Nora Fields, who is the pantry’s community liaison and a trustee, said the pantry distributed 165 Thanksgiving baskets and that the December holiday baskets will reach 125 families this year. “We did feel the ‘Hurricane Katrina Pinch’ this fall, but people came through,” Fields said. “I’d like to thank the Monroe, Central Valley and Highland Mills Girl Scouts for their generosity. The girls donated over 40 turkeys to us. The Boy Scouts of our area donated more than 100 bags of groceries.” A local fitness club, Curves for Women, also had a tremendous response from its members, who donated more than 100 holiday gifts to be distributed with the food baskets to the youngest patrons. “The looks on the faces of our pantry families were priceless,” Fields said. “We thank all the donors so much.” Gerri Cirrincione, Monroe Food Pantry coordinator, acknowledged that “we are seeing more people in need. And we ask, during these cold winter months, for donations of non-perishable foods, baby food, personal care items and disposable diapers. Of course, monetary donations are extremely helpful and very appreciated. “The passage in Congress of the Deficit Reduction Act, with its cuts in important programs for low-income children and families, will increase the pressure on the food pantry,” she added. “We ask you to help us help our neighbors.” Cirrincione is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 845 783-6371 for more information and for donations.