What We Do
Learn About What We Do
St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters was established to remedy the physical and emotional hunger of the underserved in a dignified and supportive manner. We take a comprehensive approach in providing and supporting services that alleviate hunger and many more struggles experienced by our neighbors.
Our network of charitable programs provides a broad range of services for those in need, including the provision of food, clothing, shelter, and related social services for the poor.
Community Support Programs
Stocking the Shelves
With the rising cost of food, we have seen that the pantries’ lines have become longer. We believe it is the right of every individual to be fed. The Stocking the Shelves Program is our main community support program and was created to support this fundamental life-need within our underserved communities.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
The Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway allows our pantries and Shelters to provide holiday meals to those who may not be able to afford one. More than 11,000 turkeys were provided to low-income individuals and families for Thanksgiving in 2022.
Baby Care
We recognize the demand of mothers to provide diapers and baby care products. This program provides essentials to our partners for distribution to families. This program is critical for families with babies in the underserved communities. Consider hosting an in-office drive, sending items directly to our office or supporting our Amazon Wishlist.
Women’s Hygiene
Feminine hygiene products have become more and more expensive in recent years. We recognize that these hygiene items are not a luxury, but rather essentials for women’s health and for their daily lives. The Women’s Hygiene Care program provides feminine hygiene products to low-income women and girls. Through donations, we can fill our shelves with tampons, pads, and liners.
Toy Giveaway
St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters recognizes the demand of parents to provide toys and gifts to their children during the holiday season. Throughout the year, St. Francis collects and distributes toys and other children’s items to our partnering agencies. We also have a toy distribution during Annual Holiday Party. Consider hosting an in-office drive, sending items directly to our office or supporting our Amazon Wishlist.
General Support
Our network of agencies is as diverse and varied as the NYC/tri-state community we serve. With each agency working to support its particular neighborhood, some may have different needs throughout the year. Our General Support program allows us work with them to determine and provide aid with their specific requests.
Community Engagement Program
Annual Holiday Party
During the holiday season, we plan our Annual Holiday Party. This program is a festive celebration filled with games, music, entertainment, warm meals, and toys for 300 children and their families experiencing food insecurity. This luncheon allows us to ease the burden of financially struggling families by providing a festive fun-filled day with warm meals, and holiday cheer.
To support this program volunteers can be ushers, food servers, event decorators and greeters or financial support can be provided via corporate sponsorships and donations to be posted seasonally or directly through our Amazon Wishlist.
Back to School Program
St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters realizes that for parents it may be difficult to provide the basics needed for school aged children to return to school. We have been supporting our community over 10 years with our Back to School Program which includes an Annual Back to School Kick Off BBQ and School Supplies Giveaway. It is a fun filled afternoon provided with warm meals, backpacks filled with new school supplies, field day games, and arts & crafts. This program gives children the opportunity to escape from the stresses of poverty for a few hours and celebrate the new school year.
To support, individuals and companies can donate backpacks and school supplies as well as assemble and prepare those items for distribution. The Annual Back to School Kick Off BBQ and School Supplies Giveaway is also a sponsorship and volunteer opportunity.