New Mobile Food Pantry Unveiled At Riverhead Elementary School

RIVERHEAD, NY — No child should ever go hungry.

To that end, and to ensure families in need are nourished, Riverhead Central School District successfully inaugurated its second food pantry on Sept. 28 at the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School, district officials said.

The new mobile school pantry, which is made possible through the assistance of Long Island Cares, offers an array of free goods, including nonperishable food, fresh produce, frozen meats, coats during the winter and books, the district said.

Information is also distributed about health care and other available services.

“As a mother and educator, I understand the importance of ensuring that all children have the nutrition they need for their well-being. That is why I am pleased to have the opportunity to assist in bringing the Long Island Cares Mobile School pantry to our Riverhead families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aurelia Henriquez. “Our local families will now have more access to numerous healthy goods and also the opportunity to learn about other services available to them.”

Paule Patchter, chief executive officer of Long Island Cares said, “Our staff at the regional food bank is dedicated to reaching as many children as possible that are in need of emergency food through this program. We are grateful to address these needs through our new partnership with the Riverhead community and the Roanoke Elementary School.”

The new program continues the Riverhead School District’s mission to assist its families in need, with other initiatives implemented in past years, the district said.

Phillips Avenue Elementary School has been providing needed food to families through its own food pantry, located at the school, during the past few years; the Phillips Avenue pantry, like the new Roanoke pantry, is open on a monthly basis.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.