October Blue Bag Sunday

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Thank you to all who participated in September's Blue Bag collection, which supports the Community Food Council in Huntington Station. We received a significant increase in donations. Let’s keep helping our neighbors!

The need is still great and rising! Newsday reported Long Island Cares food bank which supports 340 pantries is facing increased community need for food, helping 34% more people than in 2023. Through June, they have distributed 29% more federal food commodities than the previous year. Island Harvest, who distributes to 300 pantries, reported food distribution of almost double the amount distributed in 2019. Numerous food pantries and soup kitchens on Long Island all report an increasing need.

The Huntington Food Council now provides groceries for 250-300 families per week. The steadfast support of our parishioners makes a real difference to the neighbors they serve. Their supply levels of food continue to be historically low. The needs are fairly basic - staples, staples, staples!

ITEMS MOST NEEDED:

• Cereal - whole grain, oatmeal
• Canned beans, lentils. chickpeas
• Shelf-stable and evaporated milk
• Canned soup, stew, chili
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Canned protein
• Meals in a box
• Rice and other grains
• Pasta and Pasta sauce
• Peanut Butter and Jelly

SPECIAL REQUEST THIS MONTH:

• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Please consider adding some of these items to your upcoming grocery shopping and bringing them to St. John’s on Sunday, October 6th.

Blue Bags are available at St. John’s in the narthex, and additionally on Sunday at Coffee Hour, or feel free to just use your own. Donations can also be dropped in the vestibule of Bleecker Hall anytime over the weekend of October 4-6. All donations will be delivered to the pantry the following week.

Thank you.

The Outreach Steering Committee