We’re not going to lie. Moving was a challenge! For almost four months, we were split between setting up our new home and occupying the old one. There were practical challenges, but it was also an emotional experience, with waves of feelings ranging from anxious and disoriented to nostalgic and sad. However, thanks to the incredible support from our volunteers and the perseverance of our operations staff, we are grateful and proud to say the move is complete, and things are (almost) back to normal.
It was hard for all of us to say goodbye to our first home, but last Tuesday, we saw our community shone through when the kitchen resumed cooking, and our new space came to life. Even though we missed only one week in the kitchen while moving, it was clear how much everyone missed chopping, stirring, blending, baking, and pouring love into our nourishing meals. Our shared mission of feeding the community always ties us together and made some of the tough parts of our move worth it. We’re so excited to see how this new space builds on the community and spirit that started at Melrose—and how this change will help us rescue more food, cook more meals, and nourish more of our community in need.
We are constantly inspired and thankful for our volunteers’ hard work, but they worked so hard and for so long to help us move—with smiles on their faces the entire time. We often mention that our volunteers create a true community, and that spirit shined through as they scrubbed, pressure-washed *everything*, packed, moved, solved problems, and shared lots of laughs.
Thank you to Maura, who had the incredible idea to pressure-wash the tables and speed racks, and her husband Matt, who delivered one to us – with more thanks to Mary Q and Maud, who put it to great use and stole the show while proving moving can be fun. Janet, Maura, and Maud also tackled the *big* job of packing up the pantry, and Janet kept everyone fueled with a generous pizza delivery.
Thank you to Mark and Ethan, who drove so many carloads between locations, and Neil, who staged items to be driven over and helped pack cars with Chris. Thank you, Dave, for helping drive, assembling new pantry shelves, and figuring out how to quickly fill the mobile cooler’s tires! Thank you, Karen, Chris and Christiane, for cleaning and packing up our small appliances, including the instant pots as well as oven cleaning, and so much more! Thank you, Mary Ellis, for single-handedly packing the shelves and gym stage. And we cannot forget the weekend crew, Pete, Phil, Kolbe, Stacy, Heather, Helen, Chris, Shawn, Mary, Dolores, Karen, Jeannie, Marisa, Jack, Emma, Mark, Stefanie, and Martha took some time to clean the new space, get everything ready, and even plant donated plants in our front garden. And, of course, thank you to our staff for leading these incredible efforts over the last few weeks.
We are very lucky to have such a talented board member, Rich Winters. Rich has spent about two full days every week working on, preparing for, and readying our new facility for the last five months. He fully measured the entire building, created plans, and edited them multiple times. He determined exact locations for electrical upgrades, placements of cold storage, sinks, tables, and so much more. He continues to build, hang, install, anything we need. His labor, expertise, ingenuity, and access to tools have saved us thousands of dollars. He also took apart and reassembled our walk-in cooler with help from Patrick, Jordi, Tina, Elisa Pete, and Mark!
Last Tuesday was a softer opening to settle in – constantly asking, “Where did we put the…?” But that didn’t stop them from cooking Parmesan Herb Pollock and Salmon, Crustless Quiche with Ramp Pesto and Roasted Potatoes, Blackened Salmon, Coleslaw, and Pesto Pasta Salad for our Wednesday Community Supported Nutrition Boxes! Everyone loved being in the new space, getting settled, and how bright the kitchen was.
By Friday the kitchen was buzzing making Ham & Cheese Breakfast Wraps and Quiche for Bountiful Meals; Chicken Tenders for CoveCare; Roasted Chicken Wings, Pesto Pasta Salad with Broccoli, Tomatoes, and Peppers, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for Newburgh Shelter; BBQ Ribs for Peekskill Salvation Army. If you can believe it–after all that–they even prepped for the “Men Who Cook” event!
Though we wish we could supply food to everyone in need, Second Chance Foods cannot provide meals or groceries directly to individuals. Our solution is to collaborate with existing programs in the community and supplement their food with our meals and groceries. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please refer to our resource page here for our partnerships and local options.
120 Marvin Ave
Brewster, NY 10509
Volunteer Questions contact Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Paladino 845-723-1309
For all other questions please contact us at 845-723-1315
