Sometimes a simple desire to serve arrives at exactly the right time
In Jefferson Valley, a desire to serve became the answer to an unexpected need in the community. Freedom Chapel is partnering with Feeding Westchester this month to bring a mobile food pantry to Jefferson Valley, providing access to fresh, nutritious food for local
neighbors on Sunday, September 20th from 12:30–1:30pm at Jefferson on the Lake, 489 E. Main Street.
The partnership emerged when Freedom Chapel began looking for a meaningful way to serve during Hunger Action Month. As the conversation unfolded, the church discovered that the regularly scheduled Lakeland School distribution would not be taking place in September due to scheduling conflicts. “We set out to find a way to serve our neighbors.. and what we found was an opportunity to meet a very real need in our community.” said Pastor Julio Vazquez of Freedom Chapel. “Looking back, it’s hard not to see God’s hand
in this – it turned out to be exactly the right time.”
The Lakeland School District has been a longtime partner of Feeding Westchester. They understand firsthand the importance of making this resource available to local families and have expressed gratitude for Freedom Chapel’s timing. Their drive-through distribution typically held in the Jefferson Valley Mall parking lot each month has been a critical resource for many families in the community.
“More than ever, even Westchester residents with full-time jobs are struggling to put food on the table,” said Kristine Borok, President and CEO of Feeding Westchester. “Community partnerships like this one help us to reach more neighbors with the food they deserve.”
The event also carries bittersweet significance for Freedom Chapel as they enter their final weeks at the Jefferson on the Lake property before the site is redeveloped. Instead of simply transitioning to a new location, they chose to use this space to serve their neighbors.
The September 20th mobile food pantry is open to all community members seeking food assistance.
The September 20th mobile food pantry is open to all community members seeking food assistance.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Freedom Chapel + Feeding Westchester Mobile Food Pantry (Walk-Up)
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 12:30–1:30pm
Where: Freedom Chapel, Jefferson on the Lake, 489 E. Main Street, Jefferson Valley, NY
ABOUT FREEDOM CHAPEL
Freedom Chapel is a transformative faith community committed to fellowship, discipleship and helping
individuals develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The church seeks to help those of all
backgrounds grow in their understanding of the Gospel and develop a personal, intimate relationship with
Jesus Christ. For more information, visit freedomchapelny.com.
ABOUT FEEDING WESTCHESTER
Feeding Westchester serves Westchester County through a network of 175 partners. In fiscal year 2026,
the organization distributed more than 21.2 million pounds of nutritious food, equivalent to 17.7 million
meals, through soup kitchens, food pantries, schools, shelters, residential programs, and mobile
distributions, helping ensure that children, seniors, veterans, and working families have access to the
nutritious food they need. Feeding Westchester is located at 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523.
For more information, or to donate, visit feedingwestchester.org.