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Due to a significant increase in demand, People's Place in Kingston has opened a larger food pantry. The new "Your Choice Food Pantry," located at the corner of Saint James Street and Broadway, is now operational and three times the size of the previous facility. From January until May 28, the pantry has served over 3,000 households, marking a 10 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
The expanded pantry offers a variety of fresh, frozen, canned, and boxed foods, ensuring recipients receive at least three days' worth of meals. It aims to provide a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Recipients can visit the pantry twice a month and access the Bounty Table daily for free food items. Additionally, the pantry includes a Personal Care Closet, offering free hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant.
Christine Hein, the executive director of People's Place, highlighted the need for the larger pantry due to the rising number of people seeking food assistance. The organization, which has been serving Ulster County since 1972, relies on donations, volunteers, and fundraisers to support its operations. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
People's Place continues to support the community with kindness and compassion, ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources.