Community

SHARON VALENTINO PANTRY @TGIM

It goes without saying, but the world looks very different than it did at the start of 2020. In response to the growing crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic, The Gathering International Ministries (TGIM) has launched the Sharon Valentino’s food pantry (SVP), in honor of our Mission’s Director who lost her battle with Covid-19.

TGIM is serving local families through SVP by providing groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables along with non-perishable items.

The launch of SVP came as food insecurities, defined as a household’s inability to provide enough food for all members of that household, was growing in New York during the pandemic. We were hearing more and more about the percentage of people suffering and hungry, and the Wakefield Community in the Bronx was not exempt from these hardships.

Since the launch, we have been serving about 70-100 families each week. Items are pre-packaged and delivered in grocery bags. The SVP operates on the church site and is open 12:30-2pm every Thursday. Pantry shoppers will be greeted by a volunteer who will ask for their name and household size. Volunteers won’t ask for identification or proof of residency.
The outpouring of gratitude reinforced the desperate need for this ministry, and we intend to continue serving our community in this way!