ROCHESTER, N.Y. — St. Peter's Kitchen on Brown Street is expanding thanks to federal funding: Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act funding, the store's food pantry is now open on Saturdays.
The $390,000 grant will allow St. Peter's Kitchen to add this day to its opening hours, helping working-class people who can't get out during the week.
“The purpose of the pantry hours on Saturday is to serve working families and people who are living on the edge, who may be rationing food or may not be getting enough fruits and vegetables,” said Robert Boyd, CEO of St. Peter's Kitchen.
Boyd says it's all been a labor of love.
“We're opening a food pantry to serve underserved communities. Our meals are healthy and we produced over 100,000 meals last year,” Boyd said.
Boyd said opening the food pantry any time between noon and 1 p.m., six days a week, Monday through Saturday, will allow St. Peter's to help more families, especially those who may not otherwise need a food pantry.
“Ninety-six percent of the people who come here are housed. Forty percent are seniors. Over 65 years old, trying to survive on $1,500 to $1,600 a month. They've worked their whole lives. How can they survive on $1,500, $1,600 a month?” Boyd said.
Amy Taylor said she was happy to show up this weekend and plans to continue showing up every weekend to help those in need.
“I really enjoy being with people, trying to make the community better and get more involved and really see what's going on, and the people that come here really enjoy being here,” Taylor said.
Adding Saturday hours is just the beginning: future plans also include delivering healthy food to seniors and people with disabilities who can't easily get to the food pantry.
St. Peter's Kitchen is always looking for volunteers to help out.
