Coronavirus: United Way Responds To Closed Putnam Food Pantries

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Food pantries in Putnam County, like the one in Putnam Valley, are closing. To fill the gap for families in need and senior citizens, United Way in partnership with Putnam County has arranged for an emergency mass food distribution.

It will be held Thursday, at the county’s Donald B. Smith Campus, at 110 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512.

United Way and county officials have arranged for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to drop off more than 5,000 lbs of food to feed about 500 families.

In addition, for seniors or those who are immune compromised, volunteers are available to deliver the food within Putnam County. The schedule of the day is as follows:

• 8-10 a.m. setup and meal packing
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. food distribution
• 10 a.m. to noon food delivery to seniors

The Putnam Valley Community Food Pantry, when it announced it was closing temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak, urged patrons "If you need food please visit the Hudson Valley Food Bank."

Putnam CAP is still running its food pantry at 121 Main St. in Brewster, but with a pre-packaged format due to the reduction in staff and volunteers. See its website.