Pelham Parkway food pantry fights to keep doors open
The Open Hand Association runs a food pantry in Pelham Parkway that is on the verge of closing. Staff members told News 12 they're three months behind on their $5,000 rent, and owe $15,000 in electric bills.
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The Open Hand Association runs a food pantry in Pelham Parkway that is on the verge of closing.
Staff members told News 12 they're three months behind on their $5,000 rent and owe $15,000 in electric bills.
"We've been trying to hold on to it for the last few months. Just trying to maintain and keep everything afloat," said Jasmare Chaplin, the director of the food pantry.
The pantry feeds about 2,000 people a week. News 12 saw lines wrapping around the block. News 12 spoke with concerned pantry users to hear how they were feeling about the potential closure.
"The food is very, very, very well appreciated. Please, please help us," said Adam Aponte, a food pantry user.
Another food pantry user, Yvonne Robles, expressed concern about what she would do if the pantry closed, saying, "There's a lot of people outside who need this. And now where are we going to go?"
Staff members told News 12 they're desperate for any and all help.
They said they're running the pantry from donations and their own wallets. They said they need government funding, donations, and anything and everything to stay afloat.
Click here to learn more about the pantry and help out.
