09/03/2026
Note: We are CLOSED this weekend for the Labor Day holiday
For our regular volunteers, I am now doing the volunteer sign ups for October, November and December. Please email me the dates you CANNOT volunteer. Due to the volume and hectic season we do not train new volunteers. We will begin again after the New Year.
The dictionary describes the word “community” as “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest, living together within a larger society.” I believe that Irondequoit, is a community that has many interests but one commonality- its kindness, love and generosity for its neighbors.
September is Hunger Action Month; a nationwide campaign held every year to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action to end hunger in the United States.
2025 and into 2026 has been very challenging for too many of our friends and neighbors. Increases in costs of food, utilities, gas, transportation and medical care have proven to be most difficult for those who may have already been struggling, living paycheck to paycheck and those on a fixed income. You cannot imagine how many new (unique) households we have seen just since October 2025. These individuals have often called in tears because they have never had to utilize a food pantry before. Many of these same people used to donate to ICC and are embarrassed to have to ask for help. Those who seem to have the most trouble asking for help are our seniors. Just like during Covid, you all stepped up to help those in our community who are struggling. I always say that Irondequoit is THE most kind and compassionate community ever!
Something that made me feel like we have really accomplished something here….a couple of months ago, a school social worker wanted to meet me at ICC to discuss ways we could assist students that she supports. While chatting, she tells me that her mother says hello. She told me who her mother was and how much we had helped her family when they were young and that was one of the main reasons she chose the field she is in. Last week I went out to eat with friends and the hostess there recognized me and asked if I remembered her. I did, and also remembered that she had 5 kids. She then went on to ask if she could hug me because of all the assistance we had provided when her family really needed it, how much it meant to them, how it helped get them through a really hard time in their life. We can do this because of your generosity. Just the other day a woman who drives her mother to ICC to pick up her supplies from us told me “this is my mothers’ favorite day of the month. The kindness you treat us with, the caring, you don’t make us feel embarrassed or ashamed, the amount of food and the choices provide, it is overwhelming, and we could not be more grateful to you and your staff; you are a true blessing.” I felt very emotional yet, satisfied after they left and I will carry that conversation with me for a very long time.
SO many of you have been very kind since the abrupt, and harsh to many, cuts in assistance and increases to the cost of living. Due to your kindness and support and during these times of uncertainty, we, as a board, decided to increase the amount of food we give to each household. In most cases we went from assisting with 7 days of food to 10 days. In addition, we provided them with small gift cards for needs we do not provide, like refrigerated milk for example. We can only do this because your generosity. We are so proud to tell you that because of YOUR support and generosity, during the months of June, July and August we provided enough food for we provided enough food for 29,946 meals!!!
We are so very proud of the work we do, proud to help those who are struggling, and humbled to have the trust of you to be the resource they need. On behalf our Board of Directors we would like to thank you for your continued support throughout the years; we are so grateful to each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Debbie Evans; Founder, President and Executive Director
Chairperson: Lisa Loeser
Vice Chairperson: Maryjo Toepfer
Treasurer: John Kane
Secretary: Cherie Evans
Members at Large:
Mary Bragg
Rachel DeBlieck
John Villeneuve
Emily Wayland
Diane Zaccarine
Current Top 10 List:
Ready to serve chicken noodle soups
Canned fruit (In its own juice NOT syrup)
Canned vegetables; beets, spinach collard greens
Canned stew
Pasta sauce ( no meat)
Tomato sauce and tomato paste
Flavored rice side dishes
Pork and beans
Toothpaste
DRY dog food
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