Kosher food pantry operator loses funding

By Mayer Fertig

Issue of March 20, 2009 / 24 Adar 5769

A kosher food pantry in Far Rockaway that has seen a large increase in need — some 90 new people a month, on average — is likely to close in July. The organization that operates the pantry, the Jewish Services Coalition, lost its city funding, said Esther Schenker, the group’s executive director.

The group also operates adult employment, ESL, and youth programs.

The Dept. of Youth and Community Development has provided funding since the Jewish Services Coalition began in the early 80s. $120,000 covered salaries last year for Schenker and another full time employee, and for a food pantry worker, two teachers, an employment mentor and an office assistant.

All will be laid off, Schenker said.

The funding has been reassigned to two groups based in Rego Park and Jamaica, Queens, said Schenker, who can be reached at (718) 327-6060.