Shoreham, NY — On Saturday, June 7, St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church celebrated the grand re-opening of its Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry, ushering in a new era of service for local families facing food insecurity. The milestone was marked with a community opening ceremony at 9:00 am, followed by the first official client shopping experience in the expanded space.
For years, the pantry operated out of a narrow L-shaped space, where both limited room and language barriers often required clients to gesture for the food they needed. Today, inspired by visits to successful local models and guided by the enthusiastic leadership of lay leaders Michael Solomito and Chuck and Donna LaSalla—with the support of Deacon Rich Ohlsen and the Rev. Jenn Pilat—the pantry has been transformed into a spacious, dignified “self-shop” that allows neighbors in need to fill their own bags and baskets.
The new layout includes refrigeration and freezer units, enabling the distribution of fresh produce, dairy, and frozen meats alongside shelf-stable staples. These improvements were made possible through a grant from Episcopal Ministries of Long Island and the tireless work of volunteers, who contribute over 700 hours annually to keep the pantry running.
Since November 2024, the number of clients served by the pantry has more than doubled. With expanded space and new equipment, the pantry can now accept larger donations—including fresh and frozen food from partners like Long Island Cares—offering more nourishing options year-round.
“This project is about more than food,” said Pilat. “It’s about honoring the dignity of every person who walks through our doors and serving Christ in our neighbors.”
The pantry continues to be staffed entirely by volunteers and supported through in-kind donations from parishioners, community groups, and youth volunteers. Members of the church’s facilities committee, local Boy Scouts, and the parish youth group all played hands-on roles in preparing the new space.
To learn more or to support the pantry’s work, visit stanselmsshoreham.org.
About the Pantry
The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry at St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church is a volunteer-led ministry serving individuals and families in need. The newly expanded pantry now offers a “self-shop” experience in a welcoming space designed to feed both body and spirit.
Pictured: The Rev. Jenn Pilat says a few words of gratitude at the opening ceremony with volunteers Chuck LaSalla, Deacon Rich Ohlsen, Michael Solomito, and Donna LaSalla (l to r) by her side. Photography by Jennifer A. Uihlien, Girl in a Camera Productions.
Photos from the Opening
Photography by Jennifer A. Uihlein, Girl in a Camera Productions