Food Pantry Clarifications

To The Editor:

In regards to the June l7, 2009, article, "Pantry in Turmoil," I would like to clarify some points that I think are at the essence of the issue and propose a solution to assist in dealing with such matters in the future.

1) The transparency of the "hosting" fee: This new charge should be disclosed to the community and to all donors to the Philipstown Food Pantry.

2) The amount of the "hosting fee:" The question is what percentage of cash donations should be collected as a "hosting fee" by the Presbyterian Church. The monthly fee, or $3,000 per year, represents approximately 19 percent of 2008 cash donations and seems excessive. A lower fee, such as 3-4 percent of the previous year's donations, seems more reasonable.

The charging of the monthly "hosting" fee raises a principal concern—governance of the Food Pantry. I propose the creation of a community Advisory Board whose responsibility would be to guide Philipstown Food Pantry operations and finances.

This Advisory Board would be composed of representatives from all communities of faith and community organizations such as the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Boy and Girl Scouts, and other groups and individuals who provide support for the Food Pantry. This will ensure that all of the people and organizations in our community have a voice in the governance of the Philipstown Food Pantry.

This decision and the amount of the monthly fee should not unilaterally be determined by the leadership of the First Presbyterian Church, not only because of the potential conflict of interest this poses, but because it may undermine the larger community's interest in and support of the Philipstown Food Pantry. In recognition of the pioneering role of the First Presbyterian Church in sponsoring the Philipstown Food Pantry over the past 30 years, I recommend that the minister of the church, Rev. Leslie Mott, be asked by the many community organizations that contribute their time, financial resources and their hearts to these efforts, to chair the initial meeting of the new Philipstown Food Pantry Advisory Board.

It has been a great privilege for me to have served the clients of the Philipstown Food Pantry over the past six years, and I hope that the Food Pantry will continue to enjoy the generous support that it has received from the Presbyterian Church and the members of the community who have made not only financial and food donations, but many who have been involved as regular volunteers as well. This small community has a large heart, and the Food Pantry serves many lovely individuals whom I've been blessed to know through the years.
Jacqueline Sammon
Philipstown