The Kaaterskill United Methodist Church food pantry, a longtime source of support for Tannersville residents in need, is asking the public for help as rising food prices and dwindling funds force service cutbacks.

Founded in 1985 by Bernice “Berna” Hoyt, the pantry now serves between 25 and 35 families per week—nearly triple its reach just five years ago, said Cathy Martino, volunteer food coordinator.

Financial constraints have led to reduced hours and fewer food deliveries. The pantry is now open on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., and visitors are limited to picking up food twice a month.

“People must sign their name and provide a phone number when picking up food,” Martino said. “If we don’t see them for a while, we can check up on them.”

The pantry will still offer home deliveries once a month on Saturdays—down from weekly—relying on five volunteer drivers to reach older adults and residents without transportation.

“It’s difficult for many folks to get around this rural area we call home,” Martino said.

Volunteers Gerry Loucks and Marge Loucks have helped with deliveries, along with Simon Williams and his wife, Kate, who packed boxes before moving to Ireland. Michelle Yost also serves as a food coordinator.

Though volunteer turnout remains strong, the pantry’s financial outlook is strained.

Only two local restaurants—Brave the Flames and Deja Brew—donate food and pastries. Martino hopes others will follow. “We’d eagerly accept donations from additional local restaurants,” she said.

Martino began volunteering five years ago under then-pastor Karen Monk. “Back then, we were feeding about 12 families per week,” she said.

When interviewed, Martino was preparing for Dinner Church, a monthly community meal hosted across the Methodist Parish, which includes Prattsville, Tannersville, Ashland, Hunter, Haines Falls, and Windham. This month’s Dinner Church in Tannersville begins at 6 p.m.

To keep the pantry stocked, Martino and volunteer Dana Hommel make regular trips to Aldi or Sam’s Club in Kingston and occasionally to Walmart or Tops.

“Aldi is great. It’s cheaper,” Martino said. Still, inflation and waning donations have taken a toll.

“During COVID, we had significant funds,” she said. “But after the pandemic ended, donations slowed down, which has really hurt the program.”

While the pantry has a Facebook page, it is infrequently updated. KUMC is in the process of building a website to coordinate efforts across nearby municipalities, including West Kill, Lexington, East Jewett, Lanesville, Windham, Hensonville and Ashland.

Unlike the Windham Food Pantry—which operates in partnership with Hope Restoration Church and the regional food bank—the KUMC pantry remains independent.

Joining the food bank would provide access to bulk purchases at a lower cost, but the pantry prioritizes accessibility.

The Mountaintop Jewish Community makes annual contributions, donating kosher food at the end of summer. Martino said the group is looking to expand its support.

Security at Village Hall has posed challenges. A decade ago, someone broke into the pantry’s storage closet and stole food. More recently, food from two refrigerators went missing. The closet and fridges are now kept locked.

The Village Board has discussed installing security cameras after goodie bags for a recent car show were stolen, but it is unclear if the plan has moved forward.

The pantry no longer provides non-food essentials such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo due to budget limitations.

“It would wipe us out,” Martino said. Coffee remains in high demand but is only available when donated.

KUMC also hosts a biweekly Food and Fellowship event. The next gathering is scheduled for April 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to all denominations and is non-religious.

The pantry once partnered with the Hunter Community Fridge but ended the collaboration after four months.

“It was unsustainable,” Martino said. “No one oversees how much people are taking, and if we kept putting food in there, we wouldn’t have any money left.”

Max Oppen is a contributing journalist. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.