The Rohde Center Food Pantry has been providing emergency food to residents of southern Jefferson County since 1977. We are 100% reliant on grants and donations of time, money and product. Over 56% of our income comes from private individuals and organizations, with the remaining 44% as grants through the Food Bank of Central New York, and others.

Every donation is an important part of The Power of A Dollar, because, as a member program of the Food Bank of CNY, we are able to purchase over $10.50 worth of food for every $1 donated; sometimes even more.

Food Purchases and Expenses:
• $102,288 in total pantry operating expense
• Administrative expenses were 2.7%
• Over 2,752 Volunteer hours were donated by friends and neighbors at the Rohde Center Food Pantry, Fresh Foods Distribution, and FOOD $EN$E food co-op

Meals: (USDA definition of a meal is that it must contain 4 of the 5 food groups)
• Over 199,851 lbs. of food distributed in 2020/21
• 96,891 balanced meals were distributed through the Rohde Center Food Pantry and
Fresh Foods Program, including 111 Christmas Meals and 825 meals for school children
through our Summer Lunch Bag Program

We are run by an all-volunteer board of directors, one part-time, paid Food Pantry Manager and an extremely dedicated group of volunteers.

HOURS:
The pantry is open 4 days a week, including Tuesdays until 7 PM, to allow working families an opportunity to access the pantry on the way home. Phone numbers are posted for emergency assistance when we're not open.

THE PANDEMIC YEARS HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT

Challenges, for residents of southern Jefferson County, have evolved during 2021-2022. Previously, we faced the uncertainty of Covid-19, and the stressors of food insecurity, housing, employment, and health. This year, in the South County, the challenges are somewhat different. Housing, health, and employment remain concerns; however, with the reduction of Covid-related funds for the Child Tax Credit and the reduction of food benefits provided under SNAP, food insecurity is again become a major concern for many of our friends and families throughout southern Jefferson County.

Now, moving through our first post-pandemic year, our friends and neighbors still face challenges. The overall loss of benefits impacts access to affordable and healthy food, and the dilemma of paying rent or buying food looms on the horizon. Our mission to feed the poor has, once again, become our over-arching focus.

As southern Jefferson County’s major hunger-relief charity, our generous donors have helped  supply over 199,851 pounds food, and over 96,891 meals to over 1,573 households throughout the last year. We are humbled by your support.

Donating money is the most direct method of supporting the Rohde Center. The Power Of A Dollar enables us to purchase over $10.50 worth of food from the Food Bank of Central New York for every $1 donated.

Donations may be made by check, money order, or online with Paypal and credit cards through PayPal.