AMEN Food Pantry in Amsterdam continues to serve

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A food pantry in Amsterdam opened over two decades ago, but its owners say the community need is as great as ever. Every Tuesday the pantry opens at 10 AM but long lines begin forming as early as 7:00.

23 years ago Christine Andrezejczyk [ANN-DRAY-ZEK] noticed a problem in Montgomery County. “People at that time, dumpster diving, and things like that, and I said we could do better," shared Christine.

So, she founded the All Ministries Embracing Need – AMEN – Food Pantry. Christine’s husband Carl Andrezejczyk helps run the operation which workers describe as organized chaos. “We've been dealing with close to 700 plus families each Tuesday, and last week we went through 770 boxes of food and that food is about 45 lb of food, it’s enough for a family of four” Carl explained.

The AMEN Pantry goes through 28 to 30,000 pounds of food a week. Through a hodgepodge of support organizations, the pantry is able to keep boxes, pallets and fridges full of food. “I think the biggest hit for most people right now is inflation. A lot of people don't plan for things like this a lot of people live paycheck to paycheck, and some of them are maybe one or two paychecks away from being in our line” Carl explained.

Kenny from Amsterdam uses the pantry: “[It's] very important especially when in times of needs like this when COVID hit and everything,” Kenny shared.

Why does such a great need still exist in Amsterdam? “We have psychiatric issues…We have a lot of individuals who…Have a lower education…So a lot of these individuals Are looking for jobs that would be looking for… hands-on type work” Carl explained in short.

If you're in the Amsterdam area and need help, the pantry is open — “Every Tuesday from 10:00 [AM] to 2:00 [PM], and you can come every week. There's no stipulation with that,” said Christine.