Our service area is all of Elmira north of the Chemung River, including West Elmira and Elmira Heights.

Mission Statement

Motivated by Christ's love, the NPC Food Pantry continues Christ's work by feeding the unemployed, the working poor, the elderly, and the physically and mentally challenged in the Elmira area. We strive to foster a caring atmosphere and treat each person with dignity and care about each one as an individual. We are dedicated to maintaining a continuous growth in services to assist our clients to improve their quality of life. It is our hope that those who receive food will be strengthened in body and soul.

History

The North Presbyterian Church Food Pantry was started more than 30 years ago by the pastor Rev. James Collea and his wife. They lived next door to the church and gave a helping hand from their cupboard to anyone who came to the church in need of food. After a short time, people of North Church wanted to help. So, a cupboard at the church was filled to hand out food supplies to those in need. In 1984, the Food Pantry became an agency of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, allowing the Food Pantry to serve more people and increase the allotment of food given to individual households. Today, the Food Pantry has grown from that small cupboard to a large room with 1 refrigerator, 3 freezers, and aisle of shelves and many large cupboards. Outside, we have a garden that produces fresh vegetables. The Food Pantry also gives free clothing to those clients receiving food.

Requirements to Receive Food

1. Valid I.D.

2. Proof of Address

3. Social Security Cards for every member in the household receiving food.

We are a "Client Choice" Food Pantry

This means, we do not pack bags of food ahead of time for the clients. The client chooses the food their individual household needs.

The NPC Food Pantry is not funded by the church. we rely solely on monetary and food collection donations from individuals and groups in our community.

How to Donate to the Food Pantry

Monetary Gifts - Please make check payable to NPC Food Pantry and put in the offering plate or send to North Presbyterian Church, 921 College Ave. Elmira, NY 14901.

Non-Perishable Food Gifts - Please drop off during Sunday worship in the basket in the Narthex. Or, drop off at the Food Pantry on: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 10:00 am - Noon.

Suggested Food Gifts : Canned soups, fruits, vegetables, and pastas (like Spaghetti O's). Cereal, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Tuna fish, Ramen Noodles, Spaghetti, Spaghetti Sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, Pork & Beans, and Juice.

*There is also a need for non-food items such as: shampoos, laundry detergent, soap, bath tissue, etc.*