Feeding the Community: The Rockaway Food Pantry's Fight for Survival

For over a year, the Rockaway community has relied on a food pantry located on Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach 117th Street, providing a vital lifeline to those in need. However, this essential service now faces an uncertain future as it navigates a legal battle with the city's bureaucracy.

Sustaining the Underserved: The Rockaway Food Pantry's Vital Role

A Lifeline for the Vulnerable

The Rockaway food pantry has become a beacon of hope for many in the community, offering a reliable source of sustenance to those struggling with financial hardship. Rackesh Sookeo, a recipient of the pantry's services, expressed his deep gratitude, saying, "Whatever food I get here I appreciate a lot." Sookeo, who relies on a portable heart pump to manage a weak heart condition, is just one of the many individuals who have come to depend on the pantry's generosity.

A Community-Driven Initiative

The food pantry is operated by Salvatore Lopizzo, the president of the non-profit organization Veteran In Command. Lopizzo's organization not only provides low-income housing for veterans and other transitional groups but also offers counseling services at the same location. The food pantry itself is run out of the garage, a space that Lopizzo was encouraged to utilize by the very people he aims to serve.

A Collaborative Effort

The food pantry's success is a testament to the community's willingness to come together and address the needs of its most vulnerable members. As Lopizzo recounts, "So people that live upstairs, they have a kitchen, they can eat, they can cook. They said, 'Listen, there's no pantries in your area. Would you be willing to do it?' So, I said, 'OK, I got a garage, let's see what we can do.'" This collaborative spirit has been the driving force behind the pantry's operations, with Lopizzo's friend, Howard John Cienski, also expressing his admiration for Lopizzo's dedication to the cause.

A Lifeline in Times of Need

The Rockaway food pantry has become a vital resource for those facing difficult circumstances, providing a reliable source of sustenance and a sense of community. Sookeo's story, in particular, highlights the importance of this service, as he relies on the pantry's assistance to manage his health condition and maintain his quality of life.

A Threatened Future

Despite the pantry's crucial role in the community, its future now hangs in the balance. The city's Department of Buildings has informed Lopizzo that operating the pantry out of a garage is not allowed, even though he receives funding from the city's Human Resources Administration to run the service from that location. This legal battle has sparked concerns among the community, with neighbor James Mack arguing that the pantry's presence lowers the quality of life for nearby residents.

A Fight for Survival

Lopizzo is now facing a court appearance on September 26, where he will learn whether the food pantry can continue operating in its current location. As he prepares for this pivotal moment, Lopizzo is exploring alternative options, including finding a new space and seeking additional sources of funding, in the event that he is forced to cease the pantry's operations. The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the fate of the Rockaway food pantry but also the well-being of the community it serves.