Community Service Programs
Dr. Alap A. Butala Food Pantry Program
FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN
Our Food Box program has changed to a client-choice pantry program where families get to pick their own food; up to 15 meals per person in the household. Families receive a balanced package of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Not only do we provide the food, but also counseling, advocacy and referrals to help with other critical needs. We strongly believe it is important to keep the family together in their homes and not have parents bring their children to the Mission for meals. If we can provide the food, along with additional services, we can keep people living in a safe, healthy environment, thus avoiding homelessness. A common theme of people coming to us for food boxes, some for the first time ever, has been the rising cost of living — too much month at the end of the money. We distributed food boxes to 6,425 shut-ins and underprivileged families, and represents an additional 96,375 meals.
Our food pantry is located at 1013 West Street, Community Entrance. Open every Monday, Thursday, and Friday. We will hand out 24 boxes at 9:00 am and 24 boxes at 12:30 pm. After the 24 boxes are gone, you will have to come back another day. REMINDER: There is a 1 box per week limit. CLOSED ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY.
If you are unvaccinated you must wear a mask.
Click here for complete list of food items needed to assemble the 15-meal food box.
Food Pantry Donations
Community Meal Program
Free, nutritious meals are available during breakfast, lunch and dinner to anyone from the community who is hungry. Please Click here to see the community meal times.
158,175 hot meals were served to homeless and underprivileged individuals. At our traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meals, volunteers delivered hundreds of meals to area shut-ins.
Community Clothing Room
Through the generosity of a caring community, we continue to provide free clothing to all residents and area community members. A total of over 32,127 articles of free clothing was distributed to 4,978 men, women and children in the community, including Mission residents.
The clothing room is currently closed to the public. If you or a loved one is in need of clothing, please call 315-735-1645 ext. 2220 to set up an appointment.
If you would like to make a clothing donation we will be accepting donations at the following times:
Monday – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday – 9:00 am -1:00 pm
Wednesday – closed for donations
Thursday – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
If these times do not work for you to drop off your donations, please contact Jaime at 315-735-1645 ext. 2220. Please allow 24 hours for a return phone call.
Face masks are required for everyone entering the building.
Donations Drop Off Location: Rescue Mission of Utica’s 1013 West Street Apartment building. Please use the driveway off of Miller Street. As you pull into the driveway (off of Miller St.) the Community Services/Clothing Closet drop off location is the doorway on the right hand side of the building.
For more information you can download our Rescue Mission brochure or contact:
Jaime Crowe, Community Services Coordinator
315-735-1645 ext. 2220
315-793-8211
Utica, NY 13501