"We are very, very low on supplies," said Mary McMahon, head of Outreach Programs at Our Lady of Lourdes. "August is a month when many local families go on vacation, but the needs of the poor never take a vacation. We provide food to anyone in West Islip that can substantiate the need."

 

Similar to many other communities across Long Island, there has been growing demand for food from local residents who are seeking more help to stretch tight budgets as a result of possible job loss or salary reductions.

 

Jesse Pettengill, pastor with the Church of Christ, reported seeing what he termed a "definite" increase in demand for food from his church\'s pantry. "I would say it is something along the lines of a 50% increase over the past two years," he said. "The increase represents seniors, families with children and those homeowners that may be in distress and trying to avoid foreclosure."

 

McMahon and Pettengill said residents able to help restock near empty church pantries are can donate a variety of canned goods and non-perishable items. These items include boxed pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups and vegetables, hot or cold cereals, pancake mix, condiments and canned meats and fish.

 

"One of the outcomes of receiving this food is that [those in need] are able to reclaim dollars that can be used for their other expenses," Pettengill added.

 

Those interested in donating food can do so at Our Lady of Lourdes, 455 Hunter Avenue; or Church of Christ, 600 Montauk Highway.