Schenectady Inner City Ministry - SICM Food Pantry

The SICM Emergency Food Pantry is for any Schenectady County resident needing food.

The Pantry Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00am to 11:30am

Mass Distribution is the last Thursday of each month, from 8:30am to 11:30am. ID's are required for every family member for each visit (limited to once per month).
In 2015, the pantry served a record 47,715, including 17,588 children. A total of 429,435 meals were served in 2015. The numbers show the undisclosed level of need for temporary and emergency food, given the nature of the economy, government realities, and individual situations.

Other Services
The pantry offers several wrap around services. The Nutrition Education and Outreach Program (started by SICM, transitioned to Catholic Charities) is located at the building, offering pre-screening and help with Food Stamp applications. Nutritionists from Cornell Cooperative Extension and elsewhere offer cooking/nutrition classes. Experience Works, a training program for seniors, offers employment.

Mass Distribution
The SICM Food Pantry started Mass Distribution with the Regional Food Bank. On the last Thursday of each month, the RFB delivers 12 pallets of hard to move items, especially produce, as well as yogurt, cottage cheese, juice and bread. Each person is given a box and proceeds to each pallet and is given enough of every item according to their family size. The items change each month and this does not count against the person's regular pantry visit of once per month. The food pantry is not open for regular business on that day and NO transportation is provided.

Donations:
The SICM Emergency Food Pantry welcomes and appreciates donations of items, particularly those not covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and other items.

Please drop donations off at the Food Pantry, 839 Albany Street, between the hours of 7:30am and 2:00pm, Monday through Friday. Donors should drive up to the loading dock around the back of the pantry and ring the doorbell located next to the the loading dock door. For large donations, please arrange a time through pantry staff by calling 346-4445. Thank you!

Items Needed
Razors and shaving cream, Soap, Deodorant, Hand lotion, Shampoo, Body Wash, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Denture Cleaner, Sanitary napkins, Tampons, Liners, Adult bladder pads, Adult bladder underwear
For more information, please call.