St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen

06/03/2026

Friends of St. Francis,
Our Client Choice Food Pantry shelves are in need of non-perishable food items to help support the many individuals and families who turn to us during difficult times. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide nourishment and hope to our neighbors in need.

05/14/2026

Thank you very much Junior League of Scranton!!!

Join us for a Food Drive on Sunday, May 17th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM!

We’ll be collecting donations at ShopRite of Birney Plaza located at 3382 Birney Plaza, Moosic. All donations will benefit St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen.

If you’re able, please stop by and donate non-perishable food items. Every donation helps support neighbors in need.

The St. Francis Client Choice Food Pantry is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, serving individuals and families in our community.

Thank you for helping us give back!

05/13/2026

Today we had the honor of welcoming volunteers from USP Cannan's Correctional Support Team of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They really put ther muscles to work!! From prepping in the kitchen, organizing storage areas and cleaning them, cleaning windows inside and out, power washing outside, stocking at the food pantry and sorting at the clothing store, we accomplished a great deal. Thank you to each and everyone of them for their hard work today because with groups like this we are able to continue our mission.

05/11/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the freshman students from Lakeland High School who spent their morning serving with us at St. Francis. They sorted and organized donations from this past weekend’s mail carrier food drive, helping us stock the shelves for the neighbors we serve. They also spent time organizing socks in our clothing operation.
It is always inspiring to see young people give their time so generously to help others. Thank you for making a difference in our community and for sharing part of your day with us.

05/09/2026

Today’s the day! 🌅📬 Letter carriers across the country are heading out on their routes with one extra mission: collecting your donations for the Food Drive.

If you haven’t already, there’s still time to help! Just leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox before your carrier arrives. Every can, every box, every bag helps stock local food pantries and put meals on the table for families facing hunger.

For more than 30 years, NALC members have proudly led this effort while continuing to serve their communities on their regular routes. Today, we’re grateful for every carrier stepping up and every neighbor lending a hand. Let’s make a difference together!

05/08/2026

Thank you very much USPS for doing this wonderful project.

For 34 years and counting, has helped keep food banks stocked and families fed across the country.
📆 This Saturday, National Association of Letter Carriers members nationwide will be collecting nonperishable food donations right from your doorstep. Leave a bag out for your carrier and help make a difference in your community!

05/08/2026

Saint Francis Kitchen is blessed with a strong and competent paid staff, an army of generous and gifted volunteers and a dynamic and talented Advisory Board.

During the annual Host for a Day Banquet, the Basket Committee arranged for a large display of various items that were raffled to lucky attendees. There were 74 baskets in all.

Shown are staff members Dorothy O'Connor, Lori Bistran, and Ellen Farrell, and board members Maria McCool, Melissa Pavlowski, Terry Macciocco, and Stephanie Grudis-Whisner.

05/07/2026

It is a privilege to recognize a group whose dedication and consistent service form the foundation of so much good in our community, the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Since its founding in 2017, this remarkable organization has contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service at Saint Francis. Week after week, their members give their time and energy, supporting food distribution, organizing clothing donations, and responding wherever the need is greatest.

Saint Francis is proud to have been the very first partner organization for IVC of NEPA. From Mickey McDonnell in 2017 to Penny Common, who began with us just a few weeks ago, they have been a tremendous blessing, one and all.

They were represented at the Host for a Day Banquet by their director, Teddy Michel, along with two full tables of dedicated members. The 22 IVC members who have served Saint Francis across all areas of our ministry include: Mickey McDonnell, Bob Valentine, Bob Morton, John Menapace, Nancy Menapace, Neil Donahue, Mary Maroon, Brian Yeager, Peg Boland, Gloria Wenze, Ann Marie Prusinski, Debbie Alunni, Paulette Burton, Mary Tomaine, Pat McMahon, Kate Riley, Denny Dawgert, Grace Dawgert, Don Broderick, Kim Derbin, John Graham, and Penny Common.
And this does not even include the many individuals who assist with monthly clothing sorting.

Several years ago, during one of their prayer and reflection gatherings, they were inspired to propose a new initiative in collaboration with Saint Francis. Together, we created the Saint Francis Free Clothing Trailer—a project that now serves 9 communities from Carbondale to Hazleton through regular monthly visits and additional outreach opportunities.

IVC reminds us that true change is built through prayer, discernment of God’s will, commitment, compassion, and the willingness to follow God’s invitation to love and care for our neighbors in need.

We are honored to recognize our good friends and partners from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeast Pennsylvania for their extraordinary service.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps had a large contingent participating in the celebration.

05/06/2026

This fall, we met with Sysco to explore the possibility of working together as our primary food vendor. When we asked if they might also consider donating food, they humbly committed to doing “the best they can.” What followed exceeded every expectation.

Since their first contribution in November 2025, Sysco has donated multiple pallets of food each week. Their support has included fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and prepared foods, helping ensure that individuals and families receive not just food, but quality nourishment through our Client Choice Food Pantry and Kitchen.

Their commitment demonstrates the powerful role corporate partners can play in addressing food insecurity and strengthening communities.

We are deeply grateful for their partnership and proud to honor Sysco Foods for their generosity and impact.

Pictured with Bishop Bambera and Kitchen officials are representatives of Sysco Foods. Seated are Cara Cacioppo and Rob Walls; standing far left is Darren Russella.