$2K raised for Food Pantry

By Nadine Cafaro
Posted 4/12/23

Last Wednesday, the Montgomery Food Pantry was handed a $2,000 check after another successful Dine for Dollars event.

The Business Council of Greater Montgomery annually hosts a Dine for Dollars …

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$2K raised for Food Pantry

Posted

Last Wednesday, the Montgomery Food Pantry was handed a $2,000 check after another successful Dine for Dollars event.

The Business Council of Greater Montgomery annually hosts a Dine for Dollars event to support local businesses while providing for locals in need. It features different businesses in Montgomery and its three villages during the month of February, encouraging locals to take a break from cooking and enjoy a local establishment while giving back.

Each day, a different restaurant is highlighted, and whether you dined in or took it home, five percent of your bill went to the Montgomery Food Pantry.

There were some changes to Dine for Dollars this year, like the layout and a percentage decrease. Business Council Executive Director Randi Picarello explained why they lowered the percentage of the bill that goes to the food pantry.

“This year we didn’t do 10 percent, but we did 5 percent of the check because the cost for food and labor are so high we didn’t want to burden the restaurant owners too terribly with it,” said Picarello.

This year they raised $2,000, but Picarello mentioned that it has amounted to around $7,500 over the past three years.

“It’s a feel good fundraiser that everybody likes to participate in and I’m glad that everyone’s still supportive of it. I look forward to raising more money,” said Picarello.

The check was presented at the Montgomery Food Pantry with pantry volunteers, restaurant owners and Business Council members.

Donating food to the Montgomery Food Pantry is highly encouraged all year round. Anyone in need is able to receive food once a month from the pantry. It is available to residents living in the Valley Central School District.

The pantry is privately run by volunteers from local churches including the First Presbyterian Church in the Village of Montgomery, and three churches in Walden; First Reformed Church, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church/Chapel of Walden.