The Pantry will celebrate its 35th anniversary on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 300 Main Street in Mount Kisco. The community celebration will recognize three and a half decades of service and the extraordinary partnerships, volunteers, donors, congregations, and community members who have helped sustain its mission of nourishing neighbors in need.
The Pantry’s story began 35 years ago when three local congregations -Temple Shaaray Tefila, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, and the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco – joined together to help eight families experiencing food insecurity. What began as a grassroots community effort became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving more than 550 households, representing approximately 1,700 individuals, each week.
Despite this growth, The Pantry remains deeply connected to its interfaith beginnings. Its Interfaith Action Council continues to include representatives from 15 local congregations, reflecting a longstanding commitment to neighbors helping neighbors.
“Reaching 35 years is a meaningful milestone, not simply because of how long The Pantry has been serving our community, but because of the thousands of neighbors who have been supported along the way” explains Trina Ward Fontaine, Executive Director of the Pantry. “While we are proud of how far we have come, the need for nutritious food remains very real for many families and individuals throughout Northern Westchester given challenges with affordability in Northern Westchester. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the people who have made our work possible, celebrate the impact we have made together, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.”
Today, The Pantry provides more than weekly food distributions. Its choice pantry model allows guests to select nutritious foods that meet their household’s needs and preferences, supporting both dignity and food security.
Additional programs address the needs of community members facing particular challenges:
- School’s Out Supplement: Provides additional groceries to families during the 10 weeks of summer when school breakfast and lunch programs are unavailable.
- Morning Fuel Up: Serves hot, nutritious breakfasts six days a week to day laborers and unhoused neighbors.
- Home Delivery: Provides biweekly food deliveries to elderly, sick, homebound, and mobility-limited neighbors who may have difficulty accessing the Pantry in person.
Together, these services reflect The Pantry’s ongoing commitment to responding to changing community needs while making nutritious food more accessible to individuals and families throughout Northern Westchester.
The anniversary celebration will bring together community members, Pantry guests, volunteers, supporters, local congregations, and elected officials for an afternoon of activities and fellowship. Planned activities include lawn games, children’s tattoos, a reading nook and book giveaway for kids, refreshments, and remarks from local elected officials.
The Pantry’s Board President, Sharon Seidell, adds “The Pantry’s 35th anniversary is a testament to what a community can accomplish when people come together with compassion and a shared commitment to helping their neighbors. For 35 years, our volunteers, donors, congregations, and community partners have given their time, resources, and hearts to ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious food and support. On behalf of the Board, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your generosity and dedication have sustained our mission, strengthened our community, and made it possible for The Pantry to continue nourishing our neighbors in need.”
As The Pantry marks this milestone, the organization looks ahead to continuing its work in partnership with the community to ensure that more neighbors have reliable access to nutritious food.
Community members are invited to join The Pantry in celebrating 35 years of service.
Event Details
What: The Pantry’s 35th Anniversary Community Celebration
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Pantry, 300 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY
For more information about The Pantry and its programs, or to learn how to support its work, contact development@thepantryny.org or visit The Pantry website at www.thepantryny,org
