​In 1980, to help with calls for food and other assistance, the parishioners of St. Denis and

St. Columba banded together to distribute Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter baskets. By 1981, the first food pantry was organized in the basement of a private home.

Eventually a pantry was built in the back of St. Denis-St. Columba School. In 1998, Blessed Kateri, now

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, joined the other two parishes. The food pantry was remodeled in 2005 and blessed by then Monsignor Colacicco.

This organization brings together volunteers from the parishes of St. Denis,

St. Columba and St. Kateri and other members of the community to fulfill corporal works of mercy by acts of charity to others. We do this primarily by helping people in genuine need of supplemental food assistance.

History / Mission

Sources / Resources

We Help People

About Us

"Extend your mercy towards others

so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. 

For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His Mercy from us?"

- St. Vincent de Paul-

These three words sum up the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

We are an equal opportunity provider.  The only requirement to receive help is to have a genuine need and to live within the geographic boundaries of our three parishes.

We are neighbors going out to help our fellow neighbors.  When a family is in need, we pair them with a SVDP member.

In the St. Denis - St. Columba School, we have a food pantry with wire racks, four freezers and a refrigerator.

Once we have provided the family with food, we try to help in other ways.  Or we can simply be a comforting friend.

The commitment in time for the member is variable and flexible.

We purchase meat, dairy and other essentials from the Regional Food Bank 
of New York on a monthly basis. Non-perishable food is donated by the parish community and by organizations conducting food drives.

At Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, we provide our clients with a grocery store gift card they can use for their holiday meal. We also provide a gift card at Christmas for all children under 18 years old so the parent/guardian can purchase a special gift  for the child.

We collect school supplies in late summer and have available a selection of coats, hats and gloves for needy children in the winter.

In an average month, we help approximately 92 families, which includes 74 children, 175 adults and 28 seniors.