At the CHOICE of NY Community Resource Center, the food pantry is about more than providing groceries. It is a place where neighbors can find nourishment, dignity, and a sense of care during moments when they need it most.
For Joe Saladino, Director of the Community Resource Center, this work began as a volunteer alongside his wife, who previously worked at the organization. When the opportunity arose to lead the newly developing center, Joe saw a chance to become even more involved in the many ways the organization supports the community.
When he reflects on the role the pantry plays, one word comes to mind again and again: gratitude.
“I don’t know how many times people come in and say, ‘Thank you, thank you,’” Joe shared. “Gratitude is something that comes through loud and clear.”
But what stands out to Joe is not only the gratitude neighbors express—it is the kindness they show one another.
“People will say, ‘Oh no, don’t give me that because I’m not going to use it. I still have that from last week. Keep it here because I don’t want to take it from somebody else who might need it.’”
For Joe, those moments reveal something powerful: even in challenging circumstances, community, compassion, and generosity continue to shine through.
The pantry was intentionally designed to create a welcoming and familiar experience. Instead of receiving a pre-selected bag of food, neighbors can walk through the space with shopping carts and choose the items that best meet their household’s needs.
“We want them to feel as if it’s virtually a supermarket,” Joe explained. “They can go around, pick what they want, and choose what works best for them.”
That sense of choice and dignity is made possible through the collective effort of volunteers, case managers, donors, and community partners. Pantry days are filled with activity—from receiving food deliveries to preparing bags and ensuring families receive the food that meets their needs.
“It’s very hectic, but it’s a good hectic,” Joe said with a smile. “We’re doing some good stuff, so it’s all good.”
A key part of making that work possible is the partnership between CHOICE of NY and Feeding Westchester. By providing a reliable source of fresh, nutritious food, Feeding Westchester helps the Community Resource Center offer greater variety and reach more neighbors throughout White Plains and Westchester County.
“Absolutely invaluable,” Joe said of the partnership. “If we didn’t have that partnership, this probably wouldn’t be here the way it is. It would be a fraction of what it is.”
Across Westchester County, hunger is a reality that often exists beyond what people see every day. More than 1 in 3 Westchester households are at risk of hunger, and many families facing hunger may not qualify for federal nutrition programs. Community-based partnerships help ensure neighbors have access to the food they need today while building a stronger, healthier community for tomorrow.
For Joe, the pantry serves as more than a source of food—it is a safety net.
“Being able to provide a little bit of assistance in a particular moment in time when it’s really critical for them—that helps. I think that’s one of the most important things.”
Looking ahead, Joe’s hope is simple: that fewer families will need to rely on food pantries in the future. Until then, he remains committed to ensuring every person who walks through the Community Resource Center’s doors is welcomed with compassion and supported through a network of care.
Through the dedication of volunteers, case managers, donors, CHOICE of NY, Feeding Westchester, and community partners, this work continues every day. Because addressing hunger is not only about providing food—it is about ensuring every neighbor knows there is a community standing beside them.
