Newfield Kitchen Cupboard serves up variety and compassion

The Newfield Kitchen Cupboard operates out of Newfield United Methodist Church. Driven by the force of unity, residents of Newfield and the surrounding area contribute generously to make this program a success. Equipped with a dedicated team of approximately 15 regular volunteers, the pantry opens its doors and welcomes the community on the first and third Wednesday of every month. 

The foundation of the food pantry was laid by two women from the church in 1982. A few families in the community were battling food insecurity, so the women took the initiative to purchase and distribute food out of the church.

“At that time, they bagged it all up, and the people just came and picked up a bag and left,” said Marge Stosnider, the food pantry’s director. “Then it grew and grew.”

With approximately 50 families utilizing its services from the town of Newfield and the Newfield school district, the pantry plays a significant role within the community. But like many organizations, it was forced to adapt when COVID-19 hit. Previously, families walked into the pantry and selected their food. However, a drive-through system has now been implemented: families drive in, are given a number and choose their preferred items from a menu handed out by volunteers. The food is gathered by volunteers and delivered to the waiting cars.

“We find joy in both our work and our interactions with the community,” shared Linda, one of the dedicated food pantry volunteers. “In the past, we had the chance to meet families face-to-face inside the pantry. Since the pandemic, we’ve mainly been delivering to cars. We miss those personal interactions.” 

The pantry’s menus are neatly divided into distinct categories, allowing families to select a certain number of items from each section. It’s a vital part of the process — the individual’s name, contact information, address, and family size — inked at the top of the menu. This data serves multiple purposes but allows the food bank to convey critical information, such as any potential food spoilage. 

When a menu is finalized, the volunteer takes it from the vehicle and brings it inside, placing it next to a set of paper bags identified by unique numbers. These numbers correspond to the ones on the menu, ensuring that each order is accurately filled when a free cart becomes available and the process of collecting food items begins.

“Everybody in here does their little job scurrying around shopping, putting in the carts and filling the bags,” Linda said. “One or two people get to meet the folks outside.”

The Newfield Kitchen Cupboard offers more than just sustenance for the stomach. Personal care items are on the menu for the first pantry of every month. These include everyday essentials such as toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant and more. Clorox products, dishes and laundry detergent are offered for the second pantry of the month. Every month’s pantry offers paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper and tissues. 

Regarding food, variety is the spice of life at the pantry. There is an array of dietary delights, from fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to a range of meats, canned goods and cereals. Even sweets and dairy products can be found in the pantry, ensuring that the community receives nutritious diversity.

“We do an inventory the following week in between to see what we need to order for the next time,” Stosnider said. “Some things we get out of, and some things just get down a little bit, and we restock.”

There is a food donation box outside the church that is checked daily. Donations are not just accepted; they’re celebrated and encouraged. The proceeds of these donations and a helpful government grant enable the Newfield Food Pantry to purchase additional provisions from the Food Bank. 

As the breezy fall weather slides into anticipation of the holiday season, the pantry prepares for one of its busiest times: Thanksgiving. This year, the pantry has placed advance orders for Thanksgiving meats from the Food Bank. 

“This year, they offered not only whole turkeys but turkey breasts and chickens,” Strosnider said. “I put down how much we could use of each of them, and then they give us what they think we can take, and this year they were pretty generous, and we got almost everything we asked for.”

At the first pantry in November, patrons are asked to indicate what meat they want for Thanksgiving. This is a critical step to ensure that there is enough.

The role of the food pantry extends far beyond feeding the community. The variety of food options promises something for everyone, and no one will be sent away. The Newfield Kitchen Cupboard is an inspiring atmosphere, joining together to build a strong community.

“I cannot do this without the team that I have,” Strosnider said. “Every single one of them is so loyal and so good-hearted, and we have a lot of fun.”