ccSCOOP - NEWS - SHARING THE BOUNTY IN OUR COUNTY

SHARING THE BOUNTY IN OUR COUNTY

Carole Osterink

ccSCOOP Editor

Even before the economic downturn that put a blight on Christmas had reached historic proportions and forced us all to tighten our belts and reassess what we do with our money, the problem of food security was a serious issue in America. At the beginning of November, the Agriculture Department reported that 691,000 children went hungry at some time during 2007 and that one out every eight Americans struggled to get adequate food to maintain an active and healthy life. Since then, things have only gotten worse.

Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when feasting and sharing are a big part of the traditional observance and celebration of those holidays, people tend to be more conscious of the needs of others. There are lots of reminders to consider the less fortunate and lots of opportunities to donate food and contribute money to the charities and agencies that address the growing problem of food insecurity. But as we near the end of the holiday season and move toward bleak midwinter, our awareness of the problem may diminish but the problem itself will not.

So it is that, between the good will and gift-giving of Christmas and the good cheer and optimistic resolve of New Year’s Day, ccSCOOP offers this list of food pantries in Columbia County—as a service for some and, for others, a reminder of how you can help.

CHATHAM
Chatham Food Pantry
Tracy Memorial Village Hall
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to noon
Thursday 5 to 6 p.m.
392-7794

GHENT
Ghent Food Pantry
Ghent Town Hall
2306 State Route 66
Monday thru Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon
392-4664

HUDSON
Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties
431 East Allen Street
Monday: 9 to 11 a.m.
Thursday: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
828-8660

Columbia Opportunities, Inc.
540 Columbia Street

Monday thru Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

828-4611

NEW LEBANON
Charlie’s Pantry
Immaculate Conception Church
732 State Route 20
Wednesday: 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon
Also by appointment
794-7651

PHILMONT
Philmont Food Pantry
Claverack Town Office
91 Church Street, Mellenville
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m.
672-7911

VALATIE

Ecumenical Food Pantry

First Presbyterian Church

3212 Church Street

Every Monday: noon to 2 p.m.

1st, 3rd, and last Wednesday of each month: 6 to 8 p.m.

2nd and 4th Saturday of each month: 9 to 11 a.m.