Cooperstown Food Pantry seeks donations, gets help

Nov. 28—Donations to a local food pantry will be boosted by philanthropists.

According to a news release from the Cooperstown Food Pantry, the number of people seeking help from the pantry has increased.

"There's increased need for the Food Pantry as people face high prices for housing, food and childcare, and with the coming winter heating costs," Will Kleffner, executive director of the pantry, said in the release. The pantry serves food insecure people in Otsego County.

For all donations made to the food pantry through the end of 2024, the release stated, the Scriven Foundation will provide a match of up to $10,000, and an anonymous donor will match an additional $5,000, making a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $15,000.

"The timing of the match from the Scriven Foundation and the donor couldn't be better for the Pantry and the families we serve," Kleffner said.

Otsego County residents in need can receive a monthly distribution of food, which includes fresh produce, frozen meat and fresh dairy.

Kleffner said the pantry purchases food from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham, where it can get $10 worth of food for each $1 spent. "That is why cash donations help us the most," he said.

So far in 2024, the pantry has served an average of 634 people per month, a 35% increase over 2023, the release stated. Kleffner said 13% of Otsego County residents live below the federally established poverty level and that 43% of K-12 students receive subsidized school lunches.

People who would like to support the food pantry can donate via PayPal at cooperstownfoodpantry.org or mail a check to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

The food pantry, now in its 46h year, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, according to the release.

The pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. People in need of food assistance should call the pantry at 607-547-8902 to place an order and arrange a time to pick up.

For more information and updates, see cooperstownfoodpantry.org and the food pantry's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CooperstownFoodPantry.