Food Pantry
Fridays at 3pm
The Interlaken Reformed Church hosts a weekly Food Pantry every Friday at 3:00 pm. We provide a broad selection of pantry staples, fresh produce when available, and household essentials. Our goal is to support and nourish our community with dignity and care. No appointments or qualifications required. All are welcome.
About The Kitchen Cupboard
The Kitchen Cupboard was a ministry started by Phyllis Betzler in April 1982. It was originally part of the Reformed Church Women’s Ministries Program. It started out slow with only 3 families. It also was part of the Community Christmas Project and gave food to 147 families. By 1986 it had grown so much that the Consistory made it a separate entity with its own finances.
Today The Kitchen Cupboard is open on Fridays from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Approximately 60+ families come for food and nonfood grocery items each week. There is often a table of donated household items and toys they can pick from too. The local Lions Club has also put together birthday cake packets for families with a child having a birthday. There has been an increase in our numbers since the Ovid fire in January of 2025. The loss of the only grocery store in the south end of Seneca County along with the stressed economy has created serious food insecurity in the local communities. In 2025, we served almost 3,000 households.
We also offer families in need of diapers and infant items a monthly giveaway through the Family Hope Center and individual donations. In December, we give away hats, scarves, mittens, and socks donated in November by our congregation. Clients visiting our Kitchen Cupboard also have the opportunity to sign up for the Seneca County Christmas Project. Throughout the year, additional organizations and community groups also visit to offer services and support to members of the community.
The Kitchen Cupboard is run completely by volunteers, and the budget relies totally on grants and donations. Biweekly deliveries of food are received from FOODLINK out of Rochester. Each Friday morning, a volunteer driver goes to Ithaca to collect food from stores through the Friendship Donation Network. Food is also purchased at other stores and markets. The church graciously gives space in the basement to use and covers the utilities. Volunteers work hard to maintain a well organized and pleasant “shopping” experience for all participants.
The Committee and some volunteers attend required trainings provided by FOODLINK. There is one required meeting in Rochester each spring. Other training sessions are offered online.
No one is turned away. All are welcome each week. There is no limit to the number of times one can come. There are no qualifications except for a need for food and any other items. In an emergency, when The Kitchen Cupboard isn’t open, one can call the church and someone will respond.
We gladly accept donations of money, gift cards, and food any time. These can be mailed or dropped off at the church when someone is there and they will be given to the appropriate volunteer.
The Committee very much appreciates the support we receive from the congregation and community. The success of this program is dependent on all who support it in prayer, donations, and volunteering.