Helping Those In Need Of Food

As we have written before, there are many here in Schroon Lake who work quietly out of the spot light to help others.

Among them is Lenchen Marnell. Lenchen runs the Schroon Lake Food pantry – and with the help of several volunteers -- helps feed the hungry in Schroon Lake.

This is the 11^th year Lenchen has been making sure folks don’t go to bed on an empty stomach.

“People don’t realize it, but there are many, many people who rely on the Food Pantry each week,”Lenchen told Schroon Laker recently. “Last month we served 60 families, around 345  people.”

The Schroon Lake Food Pantry operates a little differently than other area food banks.

“We allow people to pick out what they want from the shelves, like going shopping,” Lenchen said. TheSchroon program also features fresh fruit and vegetables.

The pantry’s budget comes from financial donations from local clubs, community groups, local churches and individuals, as well as  a HPNAP grant. In previous years the Grand Union has collected money for the food pantry throughout summer season at  “cash-outs,” at the register.

Last summer  the food pantry benefited directly from Schroon’s Community Garden, according to organizer Sharon Piper. The Lions Club took out pounds of fresh produce for the pantry.

Through the Regional Food Bank of New York, the pantry is able to purchase their food for 16 cents per pound.

The Regional Food Bank delivers food twice a month to the Mountainside Church parking lot. From there the food is picked up by personal from the Town Garage and Parks Department and taken to the pantry – located in the basement of the Hudson Headwaters Building.

Lenchen says she is still pleasantly surprised when she’s stopped in the streets and given  cash by Schroon Lakers.

“The people here are very generous.”

But the Food Pantry can also use more. If you are able to help, please send a check to the Schroon Lake Food Pantry C/O- 34 Bay Road, Schroon Lake, 12870. Please mark the check for deposit only. The pantry is a 503c charity, so every penny you give is tax deductible.