MONTICELLO – Parents who have children that attend the religious school at Mosdos Monticello, Inc. often ask Rabbi Yakov Mandelovics if he has leftover food to send home from meals that are prepared.
Like so many other places, families are struggling to put food on the table in Monticello’s Jewish community, which is even more concerning with Passover starting on April 22. Mandelovics hopes that the formation of what is believed to be the first Kosher food pantry in Sullivan County will bring relief to residents.
The food pantry, located at 34 North Street, opened on Thursday and will operate again on April 18. Mandelovics said that he then hopes to open the food pantry once a month.
“Celebrating Passover will be a lot easier by being able to provide some basic needs,” Mandelovics said. “People are excited about this, and it has put a smile on their faces. There is a need for this, and I am grateful that the Sullivan County Legislature have assisted us with this.”
Mandelovics said that funding for the Kosher food pantry was spearheaded by Legislator Terry Blosser-Bernardo (R), who contributed $2,600 of discretionary funding. Chairwoman Nadia Rajsz (D, Glen Spey) allocated $2,000 to Mosdos Monticello, a not-for-profit organization, and Legislator Nicholas Salomone Jr. (R, Bloomingburg) added $1,000.
The purpose of Sullivan County’s discretionary funding program is to identify local entities, including community and not-for-profit organizations, that have specific needs and/or Countywide significance by tying applications to identified County and municipal goals.
“It was an amazing day and about 80 people showed up and stocked up on food,” Mandelovics said. “People were excited, and we are looking forward to next week’s event.”
For more information about the food pantry, email jccmonticello@gmail.com.
