Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025 Launches Countywide Little Free Food Pantries Initiative to Combat Food Insecurity
Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025 Launches Countywide Little Free Food Pantries Initiative to Combat Food Insecurity
Strategically placed food pantries bring community-powered support directly to neighbors in need.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025 announces the launch of the Little Free Food Pantries initiative, a community-rooted project to provide 24/7 access to essential food items for individuals and families throughout Sullivan County. These small, strategically placed food pantries offer barrier-free nourishment in areas of greatest need, made possible through the collective support of community partners, local sponsors, and volunteers.
In Sullivan County, too many residents face barriers to accessing consistent meals: limited transportation, restrictive pantry hours, and inconsistent food supply. This initiative meets people where they are, offering immediate support in a way that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and care.
This effort builds on the powerful work already being done by local food pantries, houses of worship, civic groups, community-based organizations, and everyday neighbors who believe that we have a shared responsibility, and that when we give our neighbors what they need, we all grow stronger.
“We’re here to stand with our community and add to the momentum, to meet people where they are with something that’s immediate, empowering, and driven by all of us, together,” said Janae Myers, Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025 Historian.
Little Free Food Pantries Mission: To combat food insecurity in Sullivan County by placing community-driven Little Free Food Pantries in high-need areas, offering 24/7 access to nourishment, dignity, and hope for all people.
Project Partners and Locations
The project launched with widespread support from across the county.
- Jeff Bank held a countywide food drive across all its branches.
- Hudson Valley Home Source, LLC built each Little Free Food Pantry.
- Precision Engraving created the pantry plaques.
- Six generous sponsors funded the build and sustainability of each pantry.
- Five committed community partners stepped up as host locations.
The first five Little Free Food Pantries will be located at:
- Liberty Police Department (Liberty), sponsored by Liberty PBA
- Landfield Avenue Synagogue (Monticello), *Kosher, sponsored by New Hope Community, Inc.
- Bethel Town Hall (Bethel), sponsored by Adam Gold and Jeff Bank
- The River Reporter (Narrowsburg), sponsored by Hudson Valley Home Source, LLC
- Lumberland Town Hall (Lumberland), In Memory of Jimmy Hickey
Call to Action: Help Us Keep the Pantries Stocked and Growing
This initiative belongs to all of us. We invite the community to join the movement:
- Take what you need. No questions asked.
- Leave what you can. A box of pasta, a can of soup, a note of encouragement—it all matters.
- Become a partner or sponsor. Help us expand to more neighborhoods and sustain this work for the long haul. Monticello Rotary sponsored the next partner location!
Ashley Leavitt, Chamber President, encouraged, “Whether you're a local business, a faith-based organization, a teacher, a parent, or simply someone who cares, this is your invitation to be part of something meaningful, impactful, and lasting.”
We can transform the way Sullivan County responds to hunger, one Little Free Pantry at a time.
Join us at each Little Free Pantry location on June 20, 2025, for a community-wide ribbon cutting celebration.
- 9:00 a.m. - Liberty Police Department - 159 North Main Street, Liberty, NY 12754
- 10:15 a.m. - Landfield Avenue Synagogue - 18 Landfield Ave, Monticello, NY 12701
- 11:30 a.m. - Bethel Town Hall - 3454 State Route 55, White Lake, NY 12786
- 12:45 p.m. - The River Reporter - 93 Erie Ave, Narrowsburg, NY 12764
- 2:00 p.m. - Lumberland Town Hall - 1054 Proctor Rd, Glen Spey, NY 12737
For more information, to become a partner, or to find your nearest pantry, contact: Foundation@Catskills.com | 845.791.4200
Leadership Sullivan Class of 2025: Jennifer Jensen (President), Janae Myers (Historian), Alicia Tuleweit, Ashley Leavitt, Cassandra Rhodes, Dawn Roemer, Ean Blank, Jesse Robinson
About Leadership Sullivan: The mission of Leadership Sullivan is to develop informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will apply their collective experience and skills to serve, strengthen and improve the quality of life for all people who live and work in Sullivan County. The Leadership Sullivan Program is a platform that expands leadership potential of participants through: educational programs designed to broaden individuals knowledge of the County, improve communication skills, and increase organization and problem solving skills. The program provides an opportunity to thrive in a culture that allows for the advancement of yourself, in addition to the well-being and advancement of those around you. Enhance potential, become better connected, and get smarter.
