By Katie Vasquez
In Astoria, Queens the St. Joseph Church food pantry is facing a sharp drop in funding: it has lost 80% of its grant from the Food Bank of New York.
Yet the shelves remain full thanks to an outpouring of support led by the parish’s youngest members.
Since October, the Service Club at St. Joseph Catholic Academy has been collecting canned goods, cake mixes, and other groceries, with every grade contributing.
Students personally carry the donations the short distance from school to the church pantry, ensuring dozens of families who line up hours early receive the help they need.
“It would come to the point where we would have to get money from the church,” said pantry coordinator Marlene Caselis. “The school has been very helpful.”
Eighth-grader Madison Nerbel said the drive opened her eyes: “It just makes me realize how other people don’t have it as easy.”
Fifth-grader Victoria Davila added, “I was really happy that I’d be able to give back to my community. I just love giving back.”
Seventh-grader Francesca Primiani summed up the lesson: “If you were in that situation you would want someone to bring food to you and provide support.”
Parishioners, the Girl Scouts, and the Knights of Columbus have also rallied behind the effort, proving that even when funding falls short, a tight-knit community—especially its children—can keep hunger at bay.