The Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf serves individuals and families living in the Greece and Charlotte communities. They help people in zip codes 14612, 14616, 14615 (Greece only), and 14626. To receive food, you'll need to make an appointment first.
Call (585) 683-9674 to schedule your appointment. Phone hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. If you leave a message, they'll call you back during those hours. During the call, a volunteer will ask a few simple questions about your address, the names and ages of the people living with you, any government services you receive, and your household income, so they can prepare for your visit.
When you come to your appointment, bring a photo ID. If your current address isn't on your ID, also bring proof of residence. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub.
You can visit the Food Shelf once per calendar month, which means once in January, once in February, and so on.
The Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf provides services 52 weeks a year, and everything is free of charge. Visitors describe it as a warm, welcoming place. One person said it feels like a mix of a grocery store and your mother's kitchen, and that the food is always fresh. Another compared it to a well-stocked mini mart where everything is free. The volunteers are often described as kind and generous.
The Food Shelf offers a range of groceries, including non-perishable foods like canned goods and boxed and bagged items. Visitors note that the food is always fresh and that the shelves feel well stocked, much like a grocery store. All of the food comes from community donations, corporate partners, and Foodlink.
Getting food here works much like a shopping trip. When you arrive for your appointment, a volunteer will guide you through choosing the foods that meet your family's needs and preferences, so you leave with items you'll enjoy. In-person shopping happens on Tuesdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm, Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 6:00pm, and Saturdays from 8:30am to 11:00am.
If you can't travel to the Food Shelf because of limited transportation or a physical disability, they can bring food directly to you. Just call (585) 683-9674 to arrange this. The Food Shelf also runs a monthly program for seniors and individuals with permanent disabilities, making sure they get regular, reliable help.
The Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf also runs a Clothing Closet at the same location. You don't need an appointment to receive clothing.
The Food Shelf welcomes donations of goods, money, and time. They accept any non-perishable foods that haven't expired, along with personal hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, baby products (food, formula, diapers, and wipes), and both canned and dry dog and cat food. You can drop off food donations at 500 Maiden Lane on Mondays from 9am to 11am, Saturdays from 10:30am to 11:30am, and Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm, or by appointment. Please don't leave donations outside the door, since anything left outside has to be thrown away. They also keep a Chewy wishlist for pet supplies.
They also accept clothing donations that are in-season, clean, and new or gently used. Children's clothing is always in short supply, so donations from newborn to teen sizes are welcome year-round, along with winter coats, blankets, towels, bedding, and new underwear and socks. Please place clothing in a 13-gallon kitchen garbage bag and drop it off at the Clothing Closet at 500 Maiden Lane on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm, Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 11am.
To give money, you can print this form and mail your tax-deductible contribution to GEFS&CC Treasurer, 500 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14616, or donate online through Facebook. You can also bring your cans and bottles to any Upstate Bottle Return Redemption Center, label your bags "Please donate to Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf," and tell the attendant to credit the food shelf. The closest center is the Parma/Greece location at 4742 West Ridge Road. To organize a food drive, call (585) 683-9674 or email rperitsky@gmail.com.
The Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf is a volunteer-run organization, supported by more than 120 volunteers. They offer both in-person and at-home ways to help. To get involved, email gefscc.volunteers@gmail.com or reach out through their Contact Us page.
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